Dane County December Outdoor Warning Siren Test Canceled

December 02, 2025
Andrew Beckett
Emergency Management

DANE COUNTY – Dane County Emergency Management is canceling the December test of the outdoor warning siren system, which had been scheduled for noon on Wednesday. The decision was made due to concerns that freezing temperatures and ice buildup on the equipment could result in damage to the siren heads and motors.

Dane County maintains a network of 144 outdoor warning sirens, which are designed to alert residents when the National Weather Service issues warnings for tornadoes or thunderstorms that could produce tornado-like conditions.

Sirens are tested year-round at noon on the first Wednesday of every month, unless there is a risk of severe weather on that date or concerns about current weather conditions. Canceled tests are not rescheduled. The next scheduled test will be at noon on January 7, 2026.

More information on Dane County’s outdoor warning sirens is available on the DCEM website.