Sirens tested today

As part of our commitment to the citizens of our county and their safety, the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office of Communications tests the warning sirens in Beltrami County and the cities of Bemidji, Blackduck, Kelliher and Waskish on the first Wednesday of each month, starting in April and running through October. We strive to complete this testing between 1:00 PM and 1:45 PM. To assure that all sirens are in working condition, we also station an officer or one of our volunteers at each siren site (a total of 10). Today, due to an extremely busy case load with several emergencies, we were not able to get everyone in position until after 2:30 PM. Therefore our test went out late and caused some concern. We also had a malfunction on one of our sirens (which has been addressed and repaired) which caused one siren to go long. However, that is why we test, so that in a real and actual emergency the tools we use to notify our citizens are in working order. Know that your safety is our first concern.

As a reminder, upon hearing a warning siren, citizens should immediately tune to their local radio, television or internet to see the latest warnings and immediately seek shelter. A plan should be in place for each family member on where to go or where to meet in order to be secure and out of danger. The monthly tests allow you to plan with your family an escape route or other needs should a real emergency occur. Please consider taking this opportunity to do so for the sake of your loved ones.

Mrs. Beryl Wernberg

Beltrami County Sheriffs Office