Expect emergency warning sirens to be heard throughout Morden and Winkler at noon today (Friday).

Southern Emergency Response Committee coordinator Chris Kalansky explains the cities test the systems twice a year. He notes since installing the new system in Winkler four years ago they've heard positive feedback.

"We test in the spring and fall again just to make sure the systems are working and that all the procedures we have in place are working for us as well," he says.

He explains the emergency warning system is designed to alert residents who are outdoors to an impending or occurring disaster and to give them time to seek shelter. Due to variations in building construction, residents who are indoors may not hear the siren.