Emergency Management

Outdoor Sirens

Carver County outdoor warning siren activation criteria

• When a Tornado Warning is issued for Carver County by the National Weather Service
• When the National Weather Service indicates wind speeds at or exceeding 70 miles per hour.
• When the National Weather Service indicates hail baseball size (2.75") or larger.
• When a city or county public safety official requests siren activation due to imminent danger to life and/or property.
• Sirens are activated for each Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service; it is possible for a new warning to be issued before a previous warning expires.
• Outdoor warning sirens are activated in the areas/cities listed in the warning polygon that is provided by the National Weather Service and potentially cities in the storm’s path.

Carver County does not issue an “all-clear” tone from the outdoor sirens. The threat of severe weather does not stop when the sirens stop. Continue to shelter and stay tuned to local weather information on radio, television or NOAA Weather Radios for the duration of the warning period.

Watches and Warnings

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

A severe thunderstorm watch means severe thunderstorms are possible. Be alert for changes in the weather, monitor local radio or television and be prepared to act quickly.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

A severe thunderstorm warning means severe thunderstorms are occurring, which may produce hail and/or very strong winds. Some of these winds are called straight-line winds and can reach speeds of 100 miles per hour. Severe thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes with little or no warning.

Tornado Watch

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms with tornadoes. When a tornado watch is issued, be alert for changes in the weather, monitor local radio or television and be prepared to act quickly.

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately.

Flood Safety

What to do in a Flash Flood

Flash floods occur within six hours of the beginning of heavy rainfall. Below are some guidelines for keeping safe during a flash flood:

• Be prepared to evacuate and go to high ground immediately.
• Get out of areas subject to flooding.
• Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot. Even water only six inches deep, when moving at a high rate of speed, can knock you off your feet.
• Never drive through flooded areas or standing water. Shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway. Also, the roadbed may not be intact under the water.
• If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants.
• Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Understand the difference between a Flash Flood Watch and a Flash Flood Warning 

Know the Terms

• Flood or flash flood watch—conditions exist for possible flooding
• Flood warning—flooding is occurring or will occur soon
• Flash flood warning —a flash flood occurs or will occur soon. Seek safety or higher ground immediately and avoid flooded roadways

Winter Safey

Minnesota Winter Hazard Awareness Week 

Usually in November

Are You Ready For Winter?

Winter in Minnesota can be described in many ways, but unpredictable isn’t one of them. At some point, it will snow, and temperatures will drop below zero. There will be ice on the roads. High winds will raise the risk of being outdoors from hazardous to life-threatening.

The best way to avoid the hazards is to stay warm and cozy indoors, but it’s tough to stay cooped up for months — and even staying indoors for long periods carries risks. Problems can arise with indoor air, and fire risks increase dramatically in the winter.

As we get out the gloves and boots, it’s time to refresh our winter safety knowledge and skills and prepare.

That’s why the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DPS-HSEM), in collaboration with the National Weather Service, sponsors the annual Winter Hazard Awareness Week, a yearly public information campaign.

This campaign aims to help Minnesotans minimize the risks and hazards of winter by educating, informing, reminding and reinforcing the behaviors and actions that lead to a warm, safe and enjoyable winter season.

Resources

• Federal Emergency Management Agency - Tools for residents and businesses about preparing for and surviving a disaster
• Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management - State, school and local emergency planning
• Carver County Emergency Management - County information about warning systems and county preparedness
• Twin Cities National Weather Service
• Carver County Citizen Alert System