The outdoor system tests, usually scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month, can be moved at the discretion of local officials.
The outdoor system tests, usually scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month, can be moved at the discretion of local officials.
The outdoor system tests, usually scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month, can be moved at the discretion of local officials.
DALLAS — Ahead of severe weather in North Texas, some cities are taking steps to ensure their storm siren notification systems are up to par in the event of life-threatening conditions.
The tests, usually scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month, can be moved at the discretion of local officials. WFAA reached out to TxDOT, Oncor and several North Texas cities to see how they’re preparing for this week’s storms.
Dallas has 178 sirens spread throughout the city. Their siren system preforms a diagnostic test of itself multiple times a day, the city said. According to the City of Dallas Emergency Management & Crisis Response, the system is tested on the first Wednesday of every month, weather permitting. That department will determine if the sirens are tested or not.
The City of Fort Worth does an audible test every first Wednesday of the month (weather permitting) and a silent test on every other Wednesday of the month. A city spokesperson told WFAA that ahead of the storms, the city conducted a “salience” test of the outdoor warning system Tuesday morning.
“This routine test ensures that all sirens are fully operational and ready to alert residents doing outdoor activities. We are coordinating with several City departments such as fire, police, EMS, and TPW by providing the latest weather forecasts and to ensure we have crews on standby ready to respond,” the city said in a statement.
Arlington officials said its fire department will make the call on whether Wednesday’s testing will occur.
The City of Denton said that with the “potential for storms on Wednesday, we most likely will not test the sirens.” However, they are encouraging residents to register with Alert Denton to receive weather alerts.
To keep up with the latest forecast, click here.