Boone County outdoor warning sirens tested, determined to be ‘functioning as intended’

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

All outdoor warning sirens in Boone County were determined to be “fully operational and functioning as intended,” after they were tested by Boone County Joint Communications on Wednesday, a press release from the Boone County Office of Emergency Management says.

The test comes after programming issues last month kept sirens in northern Boone County from sounding during severe weather. In May, a lightning strike caused a siren to malfunction and sound without an active warning.

“The reliable operation of our outdoor warning sirens is critical to ensuring the safety of our community. We conduct these regular tests to confirm that our alert system is in optimal working condition and capable of providing timely warnings in the event of severe weather, natural disasters, or other emergencies,” Director of Emergency Management Chris Kelley said in the release.