This evening at 6 p.m. the Yellowstone County Department of Disaster and Emergency Services will be conducting a test of their emergency services sirens.
At that time you will hear the same siren that would be sounded in the event of incoming severe weather or another emergency situation when there is danger to the public.
Again, this is just a test. There is no emergency tonight. The forecast is for clear skies and seasonal temperatures.
As we head into severe weather season it is important for residents to be aware of the services set up to protect them in the case of emergency.
The Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency services department operates 24 emergency sirens, 17 of which are in the City of Billings.
Refer to the two info-graphics for the locations of these sirens within the city of Billings and the entirety of Yellowstone County.
In the case of an actual emergency, residents are advised to head inside and seek shelter. After you are safe the next step is to seek information. Turn on the radio or to your favorite local news station.
There is also NOAA radio that broadcasts weather information 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
In addition to television and radio there is an app produced by FEMA that is free to download for Iphone and Android that provides weather warnings as well as disaster preparedness tips.
If you are concerned about the upcoming severe weather season you are encouraged to attend the Storm Spotters event at the Billings Public Library on April 24 at 6:30 pm. This event will give you the information you need to better identify incoming severe weather. Brad Shoemaker, the Director of Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency Services will be speaking.
One final reminder that the sirens you will hear tonight at 6 p.m. are just a test of the system. There is no weather emergency in the tonight’s forecast and there is no need to call in to report the sirens. This is just a test.
