Stay Informed
The first step to being prepared is awareness.
Knowing what disasters are possible in your community helps to make your emergency plans more effective. Understanding how you will be warned of a danger means that you will know when to put your plans into action.
Warning sources
There are many different ways to get emergency alerts and warnings. The type of alert you choose is up to you. The important thing is to know where your warnings will come from, have a backup warning source in place and follow the instructions provided in the warning right away. It could save your life.
Outdoor Warning Sirens
The system to let people who are outdoors know there is a nearby dange, they should seek shelter inside and get more information.
NOAA All Hazards Radios (weather radios)
Provides fast reliable weather and all hazards warnings to homes and businesses via the National Weather Service.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
Free smart phone alerts for major emergencies.
Emergency alert system
Provides emergency information and warnings across local and national television and radio broadcasts.
National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)
A program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to notify and alert the public to terrorism threats in the country.
Apps are available for smartphones and mobile electronics that give emergency alerts and warnings. Some are free and some have a cost.
Severe weather warnings
Severe weather forecasts and current warnings from the National Weather Service, can be found on local television, radio stations or through various warning sources. Listen for the following types of weather warnings.
Hazardous weather outlooks
Weather updates provided several hours or even days before a possible severe storm event. This is a good time to change outdoor plans that might be affected by the weather and make sure your severe weather plans are ready.
Watches
When severe weather (severe thunderstorms, tornados or flash floods) is likely in the next few hours. This is the time to stay alert to any changes in the weather and make sure you have your warning sources nearby at all times.
Warnings
Severe weather (severe thunderstorms, tornados or flash floods) is forming or already happening in your area, you should seek safety immediately and follow updates for changes in the situation. Warnings are for short time periods and small areas that are directly threatened by the severe weather event.
Other sources of alerts and information
The following are additional sources of alerts and information.
- ramseycounty.us/alerts
- Twin Cities National Weather Service
- Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Minnesota Department of Health
- MN DNR Fire Danger
- MNDOT Road and Travel Conditions
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)