WILLITS, CA., 5/26/25 – The Willits Police Department will conduct a Hi-Lo siren emergency evacuation drill for city residents on Wednesday.
The drill is meant to help residents familiarize themselves with the distinct sound of Hi-Lo sirens.
The sirens, which are located on all Willits Police patrol cars, are activated only when an emergency requires immediate evacuation.
“When you hear the Hi-Lo, it’s time to go!” the motto goes.
Here’s a video from the California Office of Emergency Services of what the siren sounds like and how the 2017 wildfires are the reason we use these sirens today.
The drill will take place Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and end at 3:40 p.m. During the drill, police cars will drive the city streets with sirens activated.
Residents will not have to evacuate during the drill – just take note of the sound so they can be prepared in the future.
The police department asks that people do not call 911 during the drill unless it’s an emergency.
In the event of a real emergency that requires evacuation, a Nixle Alert will accompany the sirens telling residents what and where the danger is, and how to evacuate.
To sign up for Nixle text alerts, send a text with your zip code to 888777 or sign up at nixle.com.
Residents can also visit mendoready.org to sign up for countywide emergency alerts and learn about their evacuation zones.