The City of Holstein services and tests our outdoor warning system regularly and during a recent test it was discovered that the system was not functioning properly. We are currently working with technicians to get the issues resolved and the system repaired, but in the meantime, we want to advise you on alternative ways you can receive weather alerts.
Outdoor systems were meant to be a way to alert people who are working outdoors and not meant to be loud enough to be heard indoors. The advances in technology have made alerting the public to approaching severe weather very effective. Please consider using the following options to always stay weather aware:
· Ida County participates in the State of Iowa’s Alert Iowa system. The advantage of the Alert Iowa system is that you have local access to weather-related alerts as well as other emergency alerts. You can choose how you receive these alerts (text message, email and/or recorded voice message via phone) and these alerts can provide you with more detailed information than an outdoor siren can!
You can sign up for free at https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=IdaCountyIowaAlerts
· If you have a favorite TV station that offers weather alerts, check into signing up to receive their alerts for our area. They can be another valuable source of receiving alerts timely for weather emergencies.
We are focused on getting our outdoor sirens back up and running as soon as possible but wanted to provide you with other options to consider and sign up for. Remember, you may not hear the sirens at night when you are in your home, but the Alert Iowa system can be that text, e-mail or phone call that can give you the warning you need for you and your family to take shelter and be safe during those emergency weather events. Please consider using this resource for your emergency notifications for Holstein and Ida County.