Update 9/3/14:
The DeKalb Police Department will be testing its backup control system of the tornado siren system today at 10 AM. If further testing is required, we will do so on the hour throughout the day. There is no threat of inclement weather today, so any sounding of the sirens will be for testing purposes only. This testing is due to the primary control system being damaged by lightning on 8-29-14.
The DeKalb Police Department sustained damage to some electronic equipment following a nearby lightning strike on Friday evening, 8-29-14. Though emergency aspects of police and fire department communication were not directly affected, it was learned today upon further examination by technicians that the citywide tornado siren controls were damaged and are not working.
We are anticipating a temporary solution soon, with a permanent repair pending. Presently, we do not have the capability of sounding the tornado sirens. Though there is no severe weather in the immediate forecast for this week, we encourage everyone to monitor current weather forecasts and utilize an emergency weather radio that broadcasts audio warnings about impending severe weather.
The temporary and permanent repair of the tornado siren control system will require testing at times not regularly scheduled. To the extent we are able, we will issue a press release prior to testing the system so the public is informed of the sirens potentially sounding at unusual times.
For questions or further information, contact:
Jason Leverton
Support Commander
DeKalb Police
815.748.8429
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