Dane County Emergency Management

Staff from Dane County Emergency Management were fortunate for the opportunity to support the Wisconsin Active Threat Integrated Response Conference in Wisconsin Dells last week, which brings together emergency responders and others to learn how they can prepare and protect their communities.

After a brief break for warmer temperatures, winter is coming back for a visit. Expect rain this afternoon that transitions to snow overnight, which could make for a messy Friday morning commute. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Dane County through noon Friday.

Just an inch of flood water in your home can cause thousands of dollars in damage, which can be made worse if you do not have flood insurance.

It’s Flood Insurance Awareness Week. Everyone is encouraged to review their coverage and look at how they can protect the life they have built. #floodsmart

If you are using a space heater to help keep things warm during the extreme cold, keep fire safety in mind!

Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Never plug electric heaters into a power strip or use a heater designed for outdoor use indoors!

During periods of extreme cold it’s important to dress for the weather. Wear multiple layers of clothing and keep skin covered as much as possible. Limit your time outdoors and watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. #wiwx

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for Dane County, beginning at midnight through 1PM Friday. Wind chills between -30 and -40 degrees are expected during this time, with air temperatures between -10 and -20 degrees.

Learn more at www.danecounty.gov/PressDetail/...

Dane County will see a period of extreme cold beginning tonight. Protect your family, pets, and home from subzero temperatures.

Dane County is under an Extreme Cold Warning beginning tonight, which means wind chills of -30F or lower are expected.

After a snowfall, take time to clear the snow off your car before you hit the road. Snow remaining on the hood and roof of your vehicle can cause visibility issues while driving and create a hazard for other drivers on the road! #wiwx

Light snow and a freezing drizzle are possible this afternoon and into Friday morning. If you are on the roads, slow down and avoid distractions while driving. Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, in case you get stranded somewhere.

January 9 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Thank you to our law enforcement partners throughout Dane County and across the country for the work you do year-round to serve your communities. We also honor and remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

REMINDER - Dane County's monthly outdoor warning siren test will take place at around noon on Jan. 7, 2026. Sirens are tested monthly to ensure they are ready when needed. Contact EmergencyManagement@danecounty.gov if a siren did not sound at all at noon or did not sound for three minutes

Be patient on the roads today! Windy conditions can cause blowing and drifting snow, which can make it difficult to keep some roads clear. Check your route before you head out and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.

Do you have a real tree or greenery in your home this year? Make sure it’s not getting dried out and creating a fire hazard. Trees should be watered daily and kept away from sources of heat. #HolidaySafety

The National Weather Service is forecasting the potential for snow squalls in southern Wisconsin Thursday afternoon. Snow squalls are brief but intense snowfalls with gusty winds, which can result in whiteout conditions. The current forecast shows the greatest risk between 2 PM-7 PM.

Dane County Emergency Management will be conducting annual preventive maintenance on the county’s outdoor warning sirens the week of Dec. 15.

This process requires a test of the siren, which results in it sounding for about 30 seconds. There is no need for action if you hear this brief activation.

Prepare for cold weather this weekend! The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for Dane County tonight through Saturday morning, with wind chills as low as -19F possible.

Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, limit your time outdoors, and bring pets inside. #coldsafety #wiwx

Dane County is included in a Winter Weather Advisory that goes into effect at 6 p.m. and last through 6 a.m. Wednesday.

With snow and ice possible, remember to slow down, remain distraction free while driving, and give yourself extra time to reach your destination.

Ice and Snow, Take is Slow!

Dane County Emergency Management is canceling the December test of the outdoor warning siren system, which had been scheduled for noon on Wednesday. The decision was made due to concerns icy conditions could damage siren equipment.

Learn more at www.danecounty.gov/PressDetail/...

Today is Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day in Wisconsin. We are so thankful for the hard-working men and women who helped keep the roads clear and safe for travel over the weekend!

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for all of southern Wisconsin, starting Saturday at 3 a.m. Dane County could get 8-10 inches of snow, which could make travel conditions dangerous. Plan ahead!

Be prepared for winter travel. Pack an emergency kit, check road conditions, slow down, and avoid distractions behind the wheel. When snowplows are out, give them space to do their work!

Nov. 17-21 is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. #wiwx

Driving during the winter months can be dangerous. Make sure your vehicle is ready by packing an emergency kit with essential supplies to help you stay safe if you get stranded. Be sure to bring fresh water along for the ride!

Nov. 17-21 is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.

Stay weather aware!

Check the forecast daily and use multiple sources to get updates. Have weather notifications sent straight to your cell phone, monitor local websites for updates, and pay attention to what local media is saying.

Nov. 17-21 is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. #wiwx

Falling temperatures are a sign winter will be here soon. Nov. 17-21 is Winter Weather Awareness Week and Dane County residents are encouraged to take steps to prepare for the upcoming season.

Find out more at www.danecounty.gov/PressDetail/...

There’s a little bit of a chill in the air today. While we are far from the extreme cold temperatures of winter, it’s still important to dress for current conditions. Now is also a good time to track down where those hats, gloves, and heavier coats are hiding in the closet!

REMINDER - Dane County's monthly outdoor warning siren test will take place at around noon on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.

Learn more about outdoor warning sirens in Dane County at em.countyofdane.com/notification...

Our staff have been busy this month attending great events across Dane County! We enjoy helping to educate people about the importance of preparedness.

Thanks to the Belleville Police Department, McFarland Fire and Rescue, and Sun Prairie Fire & EMS for inviting us to join them!

In their first six months of service, Dane County Emergency Management’s two harm reduction vending machines have helped put 2,085 free items in the hands of those who need them. These machines expand the community’s access to supplies that can help prevent or treat a potentially fatal overdose.

As National Preparedness Month comes to a close, remember to make readiness a priority throughout the year. Create and practice an escape plan, get a NOAA Weather Radio, build an emergency kit and have multiple ways to receive alerts about dangerous situations!

Preparedness starts at home!

Working on the farm! Dane County Emergency Management supported the Village of Brooklyn last week, as the Luke Bryan Farm Tour made its return to Dane County. Our team filled planning, operational, and communication roles, along with the help of partners from multiple agencies.