Severe Weather Safety

Outdoor Warning Sirens

There are 11 outdoor warning sirens to alert residents in the event of emergency or severe weather throughout Eden Prairie. They are generally located in areas with high outdoor activity, including parks and schools.

Warning sirens are tested at 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month during severe weather season.

The sirens are often activated based on information from the National Weather Service. The sirens may be activated if wind speeds approaching 75 mph are recorded or if a funnel cloud is spotted. It is possible residents may not hear the sirens while inside their homes. Residents are urged to monitor television and radio reports during severe weather situations.

In Minnesota, severe weather can occur at any time and it is important be alert to changing weather conditions. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are most likely to occur in the late afternoon or early evening hours, from March through October. Residents are urged to have an emergency supply kit and a communication plan in advance of weather emergencies.

Severe Weather Tips

Watches and Warnings

The National Weather Service issues Tornado and Severe Weather Watches and Warnings.

A watch is issued when conditions are present for a tornado or storm to develop. People are advised to continue normal routines but be alert for changing weather conditions; tune into commercial radio or television stations for updates.

A warning is issued when a funnel cloud has been spotted in the area, or winds approaching 75 mph have been recorded. People are advised to seek shelter immediately and stay there until the storm passes.

Tornado Safety

Have a good source of weather information, such as a weather radio or app.

If a tornado or funnel cloud is spotted, or a warning is issued for your county, take action to protect yourself.

If you are at home:

The safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement or safe room
Stay away from windows; do not try to open or close windows
Stay away from outside doors and garages
Move to a basement and get under something sturdy
If you have no basement, move to the lowest level interior room, like a bathroom or closet
Put as many walls between you and the storm as possible

If you are at work:

Move to a basement or interior hallway on the lowest level
Leave large span rooms

If you are outdoors:

If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building
If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter, immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter
If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park; stay in the car with the seat belt on; put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket, if possible
If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands

Flood Safety

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard.

Flood/Flash Flood Watch

Flooding or flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; tune in to weather radio or app, commercial radio or television for information.

Flood/Flash Flood Warning

Flooding or flash flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, seek higher ground immediately.

What to Do During a Flood

Listen — Tune in to local radio or television stations for information from officials

Be Aware — Flash flooding typically occurs around streams, drainage channels, river valleys and other areas prone to flooding, and flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

What Not to Do During a Flood

Do not walk through moving water — 6 inches of moving water can make you fall; if you have to walk through water, walk where the water is not moving; use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you

Do not drive into flooded areas — If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely; you and the vehicle can be quickly swept away