Washington County to test sirens, CodeRED during Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Submitted by Washington County Emergency Management

Governor Mike Braun has proclaimed March 8-14, 2026, to be Severe Weather Preparedness Week in the State of Indiana.

The National Weather Service, in conjunction with the Indiana State Police, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Local Emergency Management Agencies, the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the American Red Cross, and Amateur Radio Operators will conduct a statewide test of communication systems on Tuesday, March 10 at 10:15 AM EDT/9:15 AM CDT.

Deni Stempowski, Director of Washington County Emergency Management, said that Washington County will participate in this test. Not only will Siren Testing be done, but a test of the County’s reverse 9-1-1 system, CodeRed, will also be done.

CodeRED is a completely customizable notification system that will alert the public to not only weather threats, but any type of threat that could happen. Local missing children or people, hazardous materials situations, evacuation orders or any public safety information can all be sent directly to your cell phone, email, or home phone. You can get the message via voice or text. The service is free to Washington County residents, thanks to grants from Duke Energy Foundation, Hoosier Uplands, the Washington County Local Emergency Planning Committee, and Washington County Emergency Management, with the remainder of the funding being approved by the Washington County Commissioners and Washington County Council.

“Storm season is rapidly approaching,” said Stempowski,” we’ve already experienced some this year. Being prepared is key, and testing of the emergency notification systems is a vital part of that. Signing up for CodeRED can keep you safe during storm season and beyond.”

Kelly Sargent, Director of Washington County 9-1-1, has also implemented a new policy for siren testing. Sirens will be tested on the first Tuesday of every month at noon year-round. This will make sure they are fully operational when they are needed.

If you haven’t signed up for the CodeRED system, you can sign up by visiting washingtoncounty.in.gov or washingtoncountyinsheriff.org and click on the CodeRED link on the home page. Or you can visit the Washington County CodeRED registration page at https://accountportal.onsolve.net/washingtoncountyin.