Evacuation Alerts & the Hi-Lo Siren
Hi-Lo, It's Time to Go!
When you hear the Hi-Lo siren, an evacuation order has been issued. Leave immediately.
What Is the Hi-Lo Siren?
When an evacuation order is issued in Jefferson County, sheriff's deputies drive through the affected neighborhoods sounding a distinctive siren that alternates between a high tone and a low tone. That sound is the Hi-Lo. It is different from the sirens deputies use for traffic stops or emergency responses, and it means one thing: there is an immediate threat to life in your area, and it is time to go.
You do not need to wait for a knock on your door. If you hear the Hi-Lo, gather your family and pets and leave right away.
Hear the Hi-Lo Siren
Take a few seconds now to learn the sound, so you recognize it the moment it matters.
What it sounds like: about four seconds of a two-tone electronic siren alternating steadily between a high pitch and a low pitch, distinctly different from the continuous wail of a standard emergency siren.
Know the Three Alert Levels
Evacuation Order
HI-LO SIREN IN USE- There is an immediate threat to life.
- Leave immediately. Do not delay. Emergency responders may not be able to provide assistance once conditions deteriorate.
- Areas under an ORDER are closed to public access.
Evacuation Warning
- There is a significant threat to life and/or property.
- All residents should prepare to leave immediately.
- Individuals requiring additional time to evacuate - including those with access and functional needs, pets, livestock, or transportation limitations - should leave now.
Shelter in Place
- Conditions outside are more dangerous than remaining indoors.
- Go inside immediately, close and lock doors and windows, and prepare to remain inside until conditions improve or emergency personnel provide additional direction.
Lookout Alert: Jefferson County Emergency Notifications
Lookout Alert is Jefferson County's free emergency notification system. When emergencies occur, registered residents receive Lookout Alert messages by phone call, text, and email with critical information about wildfires, severe weather, evacuations, and other public-safety incidents.
The Hi-Lo siren is a last-resort, in-person alert. Do not count on hearing it. You can also sign up by texting "LookoutAlert" to 67283.
Sign Up for Lookout Alert
Receive critical alerts about wildfires, severe weather, evacuations, and other emergencies.
Register for Lookout Alert