Outdoor Warning System

Olathe is protected by an outdoor warning system that has 34 state-of-the-art sirens - the system is not designed to warn people indoors. A NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio is the fastest and most reliable way to receive severe weather, watches, warnings and advisories and information about other community hazards.

This outdoor warning system is tested on the first Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. unless severe weather threatens the area, with the exceptions of December and January (no test) and March (done during Severe Weather Awareness Week). The first sound on the siren system is a solid steady tone indicates a tornado warning. The second sound tested is a high-low or wavering tone indicates a national emergency. 

During a tornado warning, remember:

• Stay calm, take cover in your pre-determined safety spot.
• Tune to a local radio station for updates.
• Don't tie up phone lines by calling the National Weather Service, local emergency services, public officials or the news media.
• There is no "all clear" signal on the outdoor warning system. 
• If possible, tune into a local radio or TV station for instructions from public officials.

Call Olathe's Office of Emergency Management at (913) 971-7943 with questions or to report a possible siren malfunction.