The Pella Police Department is reminding residents of recent changes to the city’s Outdoor Warning System, which were in action during last week’s severe weather event.

Administrative Services Manager Marcia Slycord says the sirens in Pella are part of an outdoor, all-hazards siren system that is used to warn citizens of potential danger in a short amount of time, and is designed to provide coverage to those outdoors–-not anyone inside.

Slycord says some of the key changes to the system made in 2020 is that sirens will be activated upon receipt of a tornado warning or for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings with special enhancements, including 70 MPH or greater winds in the forecast and for golf ball sized or larger hail.

She says sirens will now sound in a cycle of three minutes, followed by a 10-15 minute break for the duration of the threat, with both repeated until the end of a warning. There will no longer be an “all clear” signal. Citizens should be indoors and monitoring KNIA/KRLS for updates on the storm.

The City of Pella will continue to perform a monthly siren test at noon on the first Saturday of each month, unless severe weather is imminent. Residents should contact the Pella Police Department if they are outdoors within the city limits and can not hear a siren. Slycord says here is no longer an audible fire siren in Pella as well, so if the Outdoor Warning System is activated and it is not a monthly test – the public should see it as a signal to seek shelter and tune into 92.1 KRLS.