Emergency Warning System

These sirens are tested the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00 p.m. weather permitting.

Eighteen large rotating emergency warning sirens, located throughout the City, are sounded when there is an immediate danger from: 

• Tornado Warning
• National Security Threat
• Environmental Hazard/Threat

Types of Signals

There are two types of 3-minute signals generated by these sirens: CLICK ON EACH TYPE OF SIGNAL TO HEAR THE SOUNDS.

Steady Tone - TORNADO ALERT SIGNAL indicates trained observers or radar has sighted a tornado.

Rise/Fall Siren - WARNING/ALERT SIGNAL indicates public danger from a national security threat or environmental hazard/threat.

The sirens rotate 360 degrees and the warning tone will fade and then become louder as it rotates. This will occur several times while the sirens are sounding with the exception of the siren located at Indian Creek Golf Course. The siren located at Indian Creek Golf Course is also used to alert golfers when dangerous lightning is in the area. This siren has voice capability; the Indian Creek staff may verbally tell of the possible danger or sound this siren individually.

If you have questions regarding the Emergency Warning System, please contact Fire Administration at 972-466-3070.

What "To Do" When the Emergency Siren Sounds

• GO or STAY INSIDE - Take shelter in interior portions and on lower floors of buildings. Stay away from windows and rooms with long roof spans.
• TAKE NECESSARY COVER - If outside, seek inside shelter. If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch, ravine or depression. 
• LISTEN to your local radio or TV station for information. Cable subscribers will get warnings on every channel.
• STAY OFF THE TELEPHONE - DO NOT dial 911 or call the Fire Department or Police Department unless you have an actual fire/medical emergency, or need police assistance. 
• DO NOT attempt to pick up children at schools or other locations where they would be safe. There is no "all clear" signal! Sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00 p.m. (Weather Permitting).

Learn more information on NOAA Weather Radio (pdf format).

For a list of items that you should have in your First Aid Kits (pdf format).