Monthly Test of Dane County Outdoor Warning Sirens Fails, Backup Test Scheduled

August 06, 2025
Andrew Beckett
Emergency Management

DANE COUNTY – An unknown technical issue caused the Dane County network of outdoor warning sirens to fail the monthly test that was scheduled for noon on Wednesday, August 6.

Dane County Emergency Management, which oversees the network of 144 outdoor warning sirens, immediately began working with its vendor to identify the reason for the failed test and whether it was an isolated issue. A review is underway.

“This incident highlights why it so important that we test the outdoor warning sirens every month,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “We are committed to ensuring they are one of many methods people can rely on to receive critical alerts when severe weather is in their area.”

Emergency Management staff immediately conducted additional targeted tests to specific sirens to confirm the system is still communicating. Those tests did result in successful individual siren activations.

“Our staff will continue to monitor the system to ensure it operates as intended, should severe weather develop in the coming days,” said Dane County Emergency Management Director Charles A. Tubbs. “I would like to thank the many members of the community who took time to notify us that their nearby siren did not activate during the scheduled test. Those responses show just how critical it is to confirm this system is working as intended.”

Dane County will conduct a rescheduled county-wide test of the outdoor warning siren system at noon on Friday, August 8, weather permitting.

Outdoor warning sirens are designed to notify those who are outside about approaching severe weather threats. When they are activated, it’s a signal to head indoors and seek additional information. The county tests the system year-round at noon on the first Wednesday of each month.

You can learn more about the outdoor warning siren system at https://em.countyofdane.com/notification-system/sirens