Emergency Preparedness

Tornadoes      Gas Leak     Floods      Active Shooter        Blizzard

Register for Emergency Alerts

Register with Smart911 to receive emergency alerts and provide information to first responders.

Learn more about the Smart911 free service

Plan and Prepare for Disasters and Emergencies

Visit FEMA’s Ready Campaign to learn how      

Example of Cellphone Alert

Example of a Rave Emergency Notification Alert

Outdoor Warning Sirens

  • Meant to be heard outdoors
  • Do NOT call 911 to ask what the emergency is
  • Seek shelter and turn on radio, TV or check smart phone to see more about the emergency
  • An “all clear” tone is not issued. The threat of severe weather does not stop when the sirens stop.
  • If the siren sounds while you are in your vehicle, seek shelter immediately.
  • The safest place to be is in a sturdy building, on the lowest level away from windows.
  • If there is not a building nearby, and the tornado is approaching quickly, get as far away from the road and cars as possible and lie in a low area covering your head with your arms.
  • Do not go under an overpass; the bridge could collapse or become a wind tunnel with flying debris.

Hennepin County Outdoor Siren map (PDF)