Beginning Monday, Feb.
19, the City of West Fargo will no longer sound the warning siren at noon each
weekday. This change is consistent with emergency management best practices,
which call for periodic audible testing instead of daily audible tests. Daily
soundings have been found to dilute the effectiveness of the warning system.
The last day of the daily noon whistle will be Friday, Feb. 16.
The City of West Fargo will continue to have the monthly audible test at 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month, which allows the Red River Regional Dispatch Center (RRRDC) to exercise the sirens metrowide. The siren system is also silently tested daily at 9 a.m. to check rotation, radio communication, batteries, amplifiers and other system features. Additional testing includes full diagnostic system tests before active summer weather in the spring, an audible test of the system in June and preventative maintenance in the fall that can include silent and/or audible testing. Before all audible testing the City of West Fargo will notify residents with a press release and announcement on social media and website.
“Although we have all
become accustomed to the daily noon whistle, we need to make sure our emergency
response tools make the most impact when needed,” said Mayor Rich Mattern. “By
using the RRRDC’s protocol for audible testing, we are also maintaining a
consistent approach that will be less confusing for visitors and new
residents.”
The RRRDC is responsible
for setting off all warning siren systems in the metro area for severe summer
weather. It also has the capability of using the warning sirens in emergencies
that require residents to shelter in place, such as chemical spills.
When warning sirens are
sounded, it is to signal residents to go indoors immediately – no matter the
weather conditions – and check a local resource for announcements. Recommended
resources include CodeRED; @CityofWestFargo on Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor; @WestFargoPolice on Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor; email or text message alerts from the
City of West Fargo’s website; or news media websites and apps.
About West Fargo
With
an estimated population of more than 35,000, West Fargo is truly “a city on the
grow” with one of the fastest growing communities in North Dakota. Throughout
this phenomenal growth, West Fargo continues to offer an excellent
student-oriented school district, a park district with exceptional facilities,
and a variety of housing options to meet the needs of any resident. Boasting
opportunities for both families and businesses, West Fargo combines the
benefits of small-town living with the resources and amenities of a large
metropolitan city. For more information, please visit www.westfargond.gov and join us on Facebook and Twitter.