New Salem has an Emergency Director that helps the city coordinate emergency services during disasters. The emergency director works directly with the City of New Salem, Morton County Sheriff's Department, New Salem Ambulance Service and Morton County Emergency Managers to help any disaster or major emergency run smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns about a potential or ongoing disaster in New Salem call the Emergency Director, Amy Kruger, at 701-301-1633.
Local Emergency Sirens
There are 3 unique siren sounds you will hear in New Salem.
Fire Sirens - These sirens run for three minutes with an up and down sound. This is activated for some, but not all fire calls. It's activated when additional firefighters are needed beyond the initial response to a page sent to firefighters, as determined by the fire department officer in charge on an as-needed basis.
Tornado/Severe Weather Sirens - These sirens run for three minutes with a steady, continuous, loud blast. The Siren can and often is sounded a second time following the first alert. This is sounded when there is imminent danger of a tornado or extreme winds impacting the city of New Salem. There is NO "all clear" signal given from the Tornado/Severe Weather Siren, so residents are encouraged to remain in shelter for at least 15 minutes following the last activation of the siren. Residents are also encouraged to have other sources of weather information, especially when indoors, as the siren system may not be able to be heard while indoors during some storms.
Non-Emergency Sirens - You will also hear a brief siren that goes off at noon and 6 pm, this does not indicate any threats. These are simple daily routine sirens.
Residents are to refrain from calling emergency services or the city asking about sirens unless they have an immediate emergency, to allow city employees and emergency services to focus on critical response efforts.
New Salem Ambulance Service
Founded in March 1968 by Tex Goyne, the New Salem Volunteer Ambulance Service has come a long way! It started with a used station wagon as an ambulance obtained from the Forestry Service and had an oxygen tank and a stretcher. Today the service has two fully equipped Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances purchased with the generous donations of the local community, along with some ND EMS grant money. During late 2008 and early 2009 the service constructed and now occupies a 2000 sq. ft. dual bay facility located northwest of the City Auditorium, again all made possible by the generous donations of the local community.
Today this service is staffed by nationally certified Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and Emergency Medical Responders. In addition, CPR certified drivers assist with the 24-hour 7-day per week BLS coverage provided to the approximately 720 square miles in the service area.
The ambulance squad is capable of training in-house to the EMT level as well as CPR/AED/First Aid by certified American Heart Association CPR instructors, allowing for easier access to training for local responders including ambulance and fire department staff. Through the volunteer help of many people and the donations of the residents of the New Salem area, New Salem has an Ambulance Service it can be proud of.
Anyone wishing to join this community organization, or if you have any questions please contact:
