DU-COMM Shares 'Key Findings' After 2 Tornado Siren Errors In 1 Week

WHEATON, IL — DuPage Public Safety Communications (DU-COMM has shared what they call "key findings" after investigating two incidents in which tornado sirens were activated in error last week. The sirens went off on Aug. 18 around 10 a.m. on Aug. 18 and around 3 a.m. on Aug. 21.

According to DU-COMM, theAug. 18 siren activation was due to an employee error during a planned test of background warning systems.

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In their statement, regarding the Aug. 21 siren activation, DU-COMM said, "no evidence has been found indicating that the incident resulted from human error or malicious intent."

They continued, "Multiple systems work together to allow DU-COMM to control the outdoor warning sirens. Current evidence indicates one of the devices connecting those components malfunctioned and unintentionally triggered the sirens. DU-COMM and equipment vendors have enacted a plan to remove that device and simplify the system, eliminating that potential point of failure."

DU-COMM says it is continuing to review the technology and protocol involving the incidents and will take corrective steps where necessary.

They still encourage residents to take shelter if they hear a tornado siren and to "seek additional weather updates" through the National Weather Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio.