Madison, WI siren test

[Mrs. Thunderbolt]

Does Madison, Wisconsin, do a siren test every Wednesday of the week, or a Wednesday every month? The sirens went off around noon today and last for maybe 2 minutes. Why would a siren test last so long? Lancaster never did an actual siren test (unless you count the 10 second noon whistle), so I am curious as to what they check while the sirens go off during those 2 minutes?
Thanks,
~Nikki

[enigma1677]

most test last that long. The one here it last 3 minutes in "alert" mode and 3 minutes in "whoop"mode.

[Mrs. Thunderbolt]

But do they check anything?

[thunderbolt1003kid]

if it is a rotating siren like the thunderbolt they want to make sure it rotating properly but overall they just want to make sure the sirens are sounding

[kswx29]

Our tests here last from 45sec to 2 mins...altho its ussaly about a min and a half....in alert

[birdy]

Here they do 3 minutes of alert and 3 minutes of attack shortly afterward.

In most cities, as I understand it, they have cops or other officials posted at each location to make sure the siren goes off and rotates, as the case may be. The condition of each siren is then radioed back and recorded.

[Archon]

Madison WI in Dane co Madison sirens are controlled by Dane Co Test the first Wednesday of the month except December Janurary and Feburary. IT is a rare one if they tested yesterday. they usally don't test in the winter months. and it is for 3 minutes in Alert only