Alerts and Warnings

Smart911 

RAVE/Smart911 is a mass notification system designed to keep Independence residents, businesses, and others informed of emergencies, including weather warnings, water main breaks, public safety alerts, and natural disasters. Local authorities in partner communities use these types of texting systems to alert you and keep you informed.

NOAA Weather Radios

Unlike outdoor sirens, all-hazards radios save lives by alerting people who are indoors when severe weather approaches. They can also alert people in homes, schools and businesses to other types of emergencies. These radios provide constant, useful and up-to-date weather information. They are equipped with a special alarm tone that will sound an alert and give immediate information in a life-threatening situation.  

Outdoor Warning System

Independence’s outdoor warning system consists of 35 sirens placed strategically throughout the county as an early warning devices to alert citizens of potential danger. While the outdoor warning system is an effective method of notifying those outdoors, it is only one component of a comprehensive emergency warning system including the use of the use of NOAA weather radios, the Emergency Alert System, and emergency notifications from local media. Local emergency managers recommend having three ways to receive information.       

Additionally, we use volunteers to assist us in our "Adopt-a-Siren" program. If you are interested in helping us by checking in on the first Wednesday of each month when these sirens are tested, please contact our office at 816-365-7858.