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When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media, sirens and public address systems. Richland County, along with the local (i.e. American Red Cross, Salvation Army)
and other relief organizations, provide emergency shelter and supplies. The amount of time you have to evacuate will depend on the disaster. By preparing now, you will have the basic necessities on hand.
Remember to call "911" if you witness an emergency situation or are in need of emergency assistance.
Disaster Instructions | Siren Alerts | Evacuation | Planning for Evacuation | Ordered Evacuation | Man's Best Friend |Winter Storm | Winter Driving
Disaster Instructions: Know What to do in
an Emergency
 It is a fact of life...there’s always a chance a major emergency could occur in our area. While natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, or technological emergencies such as chemical spills, vapor clouds, or major industrial fires don’t occur very often, it’s comforting to know that someone has a plan to protect us.
Our goal is to “Save Lives and
Property”. This can only be done by
being organized and trained to respond in a way that minimizes the trauma and stress usually associated with these kind of chaotic incidents.
As part of our overall disaster plan, it is necessary to implement a system that can notify the public of an impending or occurring disaster or emergency. This is essential to disseminate vital information to the general public in order to keep them informed and advised as to what is happening and what needs to be done. This alert notification comes by way of an Emergency Audible Siren that has been installed in {Highland park near the cemetery}. This location was selected to maximize the potential.
Siren Alert
It is essential to disseminate vital information to the general public in order to keep them informed and advised as to what is happening and what needs to be done. This alert notification comes by way of an Emergency Audible Siren that has been installed in {Highland park near the cemetery}. This location was selected to maximize the potential for being heard throughout the Sidney area.
When would the outdoor warning siren sound?
- Curfew siren operates daily at 10:00 p.m.
- Tornado warning or any other life threatening incident
- Fire alert siren sounds to alert local fire departments of a fire call
When you hear the sirens sound, go indoors and turn your weather radio, radio, or TV on to hear the warning message. In case of power outage, have a radio with battery backup available to get the warning message.
If an emergency warning is necessary, upon hearing the sound of the alert siren, tune to 660 AM, the official EAS station, and/or a Weather Radio or any of the local radio or TV stations for instructions and information and proceed as instructed. In addition to the local EAS system, Richland County broadcasts emergency alert information through local TV and radio providers and would be activated as needed. Often times this alert is used for severe weather warnings for our area. Once again, take necessary precautions and proceed as instructed.
A good quality AM radio with fresh batteries (power may not be available) is required.
NOTE: These emergency broadcasts are NOT currently available to satellite subscribers. To help you and your family be better prepared in case of emergencies, please click here for related links or contact the Richland County Disaster & Emergency Services.
Siren Alert Sounds
The Fire Alert Signal
A wavering tone means the local fire department has been paged to a call.
The Attention or Alert Signal
A steady blast or tone for 3-5 minutes. Listen for essential emergency alert system (EAS) broadcasts by radio or TV.
Glasgow National Weather Service activates the EAS warning system through encoders.
NOAA Weather Radio:
162.550 -
Williston or
162.475 -
Glendive
Primary EAS Station - KEYZ 660 Radio
Evacuation
When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media, sirens and public address systems. Richland County, along with the local {Red Cross}, {Salvation Army}, and other relief organizations, provide emergency shelter and supplies. The amount of time you have to evacuate will depend on the disaster. By preparing now, you will have the basic necessities on hand.
Planning for Evacuation
Talk with your household about the possibility of an evacuation. Plan a place to meet in case of a separation during an emergency. Ask a friend outside your town to be the “check-point” so that everyone in your household can call to say they are safe. Keep your vehicle fuel talk full and our disaster supplies kit ready. Know how to shut off your home’s electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves. Have cash, check blanks, and credit cards on hand. Mementoes and small objects that can be easily stored should be taken, along with a telephone and address book.
Ordered Evacuation
Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local instructions. If the danger is a chemical release and you are instructed to evacuate immediately, gather your household and go. Take one car per household when evacuating. Gather water, food, clothing, emergency supplies, and insurance and financial records. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides protection. Let others know where you are going, take your pets, and secure your home. Leave early to avoid traffic jams, following recommended evacuation routes. Disaster situations can be intense, stressful and confusing. Should an evacuation be necessary, local authorities will do their best to notify the public, but do not depend entirely on this. Often, a disaster can strike with little or no warning, providing local authorities little time to issue an evacuation order. Also, it is possible that you may not hear of an evacuation order due to communications or power failure. Local authorities and weather broadcasters can also make mistakes, including underestimating an emergency or disaster situation. In the absence of evacuation instructions from local authorities, you should evacuate if you feel threatened or endangered. Use predesignated evacuation routes and let others know what you are doing and where you are going.
Man’s Best Friend
 If you must evacuate, do not leave your pets behind, they may not survive or get lost before you return. Unless a pet is a service animal, pets are not allowed in shelters for health reasons. Use your family or friends to care for your pets; some boarding may be available at {Hill County fairgrounds}. Your pet must have a collar with ID, leash or carrier, and up to date vaccination papers. Assemble a disaster kit for your pet; include pet food, water, medications, veterinary records, little box, can opener, food dishes, and first aid kit. Include an information sheet with your name, pet’s name and any special needs or problems that a caretaker would need to know. Call {Hill County DES office} for more information.
Winter Storm
 If you need to go outside, observe the latest weather report or emergency information. Wear layered clothing, outer garments should be water repellant. Wear a hat, most body heat is lost through the top of your head. Mittens are warmer than gloves, cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Watch for signs of frostbite; loss of feeling and white or pale appearance of extremities. If detected get medical help immediately. Watch for signs of hypothermia; uncontrolled shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing and warm the body center mass first. If the victim is conscious, give warm, nonalcoholic beverages. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Winter Driving
 About 70% of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in automobiles. Consider public transportation if you must travel. If you travel by car, travel in the day. Don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads and avoid back-road shortcuts. Carry a “winter kit” in your car to include: shovel, battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries for both. Water, snack food, hat, mittens, blanket, tow chain or rope, tire chains, bag of sand or road salt, distress flag, booster cables, road map and emergency flares are also recommended. If a blizzard traps you in you car you need to pull off the road, turn on hazard lights, and display your distress flag. Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot for shelter, as distances to these shelters may be distorted by blowing snow and may be too far to walk because of deep snow. Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour with windows slightly open to for ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. Take turns sleeping and drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Be careful not to waste battery power, balance use with supply. Once a blizzard passes searchers will be out. Make sure you are visible to ground and air rescue personnel.
(*Pictures on this page were provided by National Weather Service, Glasgow, MT and Sidney Herald.)
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