The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has confirmed that the outdoor emergency warning sirens in the city of Runnells are currently out of service, posing a significant risk during severe weather events. The outage, which was discovered earlier this week, affects the city’s ability to broadcast urgent weather alerts through its traditional warning system — a critical line of defense during Iowa’s volatile spring storm season.
The malfunction means that Runnells residents will not hear the familiar siren wails meant to signal tornadoes or other immediate dangers. The city and county officials are now rushing to spread awareness and implement alternate notification systems to keep the community safe.
What Happened?
According to a statement from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the outdoor warning sirens in Runnells are currently inoperable due to a technical fault. The specific cause has not been publicly detailed, but maintenance teams are reportedly working to diagnose and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
However, no official timeline has been provided for when the system will be operational again, leaving a crucial gap in the area’s severe weather preparedness.
Why It Matters
Outdoor warning sirens are a longstanding and trusted method for alerting residents of incoming tornadoes, flash floods, or other urgent weather events. In rural and semi-rural communities like Runnells, where residents may not be glued to their phones or televisions, sirens often serve as the first — and sometimes only — warning.
With tornado season peaking across the Midwest, this outage couldn’t come at a worse time. Iowa has already experienced several rounds of severe weather this spring, including strong thunderstorms and confirmed tornado touchdowns in surrounding counties.
Alternative Safety Measures for Residents
In the absence of functioning sirens, officials are urging residents to sign up for digital emergency notifications. Multiple tools are now being recommended:
- Text Alerts: Residents can text RUNNELLS to 77295 to receive emergency warnings directly to their mobile phones. These messages will include urgent information about weather threats, road closures, and other public safety concerns.
- Alert Iowa System: Iowans can also enroll in the Alert Iowa system, which is a statewide notification platform operated by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The system can send alerts via phone, email, and text message — and allows users to choose what kind of emergencies they want to be notified about.
- Weather Apps and Local Media: Officials also recommend downloading mobile weather applications that offer real-time alerts and radar maps. The KCCI 8 Weather App is frequently cited as a trusted source for residents in central Iowa.
City and County Response
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with local emergency management agencies, is continuing to monitor the situation closely. Officials have expressed concern but reassured residents that all other public safety operations remain fully functional.
“We are actively working on resolving the issue,” said a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office. “In the meantime, we ask all residents to take advantage of alternative emergency alert systems to ensure they remain safe and informed.”
Local emergency planners are also reviewing long-term contingency plans to ensure that future outages whether due to weather, aging infrastructure, or vandalism are met with faster response protocols.
Community Reaction
Residents of Runnells have expressed mixed feelings about the siren outage. Some are concerned about elderly neighbors who may not use smartphones or email, while others are calling for more robust backup systems.
“I understand things break down, but this is about life and death,” said Amanda Lewis, a Runnells resident and mother of two. “I just hope they fix it before the next big storm hits.”
Others are taking the opportunity to prepare more thoroughly for weather emergencies, reviewing family emergency plans and ensuring storm shelters are stocked.
