Douglas County Launches Hi-Lo Sirens for Emergency Evacuations
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.
Source: Douglas County Sheriff's Office, March 4, 2026