Douglas County Launches Hi-Lo Sirens for Emergency Evacuations
By Connor Tien, DougCo Social
Douglas County has deployed a new emergency siren system designed to signal one thing clearly: get out now.
What's New
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Office of Emergency Management are rolling out "hi-lo" sirens across the county. Unlike traditional steady-tone sirens (which signal "shelter in place"), the hi-lo siren produces a distinctive alternating tone.
What the sounds mean:
- Hi-lo (warbling) tone: EVACUATE — Leave the area immediately
- Steady tone: Shelter in place — Stay indoors
Why It Matters
Douglas County faces significant wildfire risk, and confusion during emergencies costs lives. The new hi-lo system removes ambiguity — when you hear that warbling tone, you know it's time to go.
The system complements other emergency notification tools:
- DougCoAlert: Text/email/phone notifications (sign up at dougcoalert.com)
- Wireless Emergency Alerts: Automatic alerts to cell phones in affected areas
- Local media: TV, radio, and social media updates
How to Prepare
- Sign up for DougCoAlert if you haven't already
- Know your evacuation routes — have a primary and backup
- Prepare a go-bag with essentials (documents, medications, phone chargers)
- If you hear the hi-lo siren: Don't wait. Leave immediately.
For more local safety and community information, see our Douglas County resource guides.
Source: Douglas County Sheriff's Office, March 4, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a hi-lo siren mean in Douglas County?
The hi-lo (warbling) tone means EVACUATE — leave the area immediately. It is different from a traditional steady-tone siren, which signals shelter in place.
Who is deploying the hi-lo sirens?
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Office of Emergency Management are rolling them out across the county.
What is the difference between a hi-lo tone and a steady tone?
A hi-lo (alternating, warbling) tone means evacuate and leave immediately. A steady tone means shelter in place — stay indoors.
Why is Douglas County using hi-lo sirens?
Douglas County faces significant wildfire risk, and the distinctive hi-lo tone removes ambiguity during emergencies so residents know it is time to go.
How else can I get emergency alerts in Douglas County?
Sign up for DougCoAlert (text, email, or phone) at dougcoalert.com. You will also receive Wireless Emergency Alerts automatically on cell phones in affected areas, plus updates via local TV, radio, and social media.
What should I do if I hear the hi-lo siren?
Do not wait — leave immediately. Ahead of time, sign up for DougCoAlert, know your primary and backup evacuation routes, and prepare a go-bag with documents, medications, and phone chargers.