Ask The Answer Person: Why does the siren go off in Decorah every day at 6pm?

Posted: Sun, Sep 20, 2020 3:13 PM

(Roger e-mails: "A young person was visiting us and heard the 6 o'clock whistle blow. He asked, 'Why is the whistle blowing at 6:00 p.m.?' I wasn't sure how this tradition got started or how to answer him. Can you inform me about the reason for this practice?")

The Answer Person says: "The 'whistle' is actually a test of the outdoor storm warning siren system. The system is tested daily to ensure it is working properly in the event of severe weather. When severe weather is present, the sirens are sounded to let those outdoors know to take shelter immediately.

Years ago the system was actually tested twice a day – at noon and 6:00 p.m.. The noon siren was discontinued many years ago."