In a time where unforeseen emergencies are growing more prevalent, the City of Berkeley is taking a proactive approach by testing their new Outdoor Warning System via the Berkeley PD. The test set for Sunday, September 17, 2023, at 12 noon will provide insight into the audibility and effectiveness of the sirens, which are installed throughout the city.
A total of 15 siren locations have been meticulously chosen to ensure optimal coverage for Berkeley residents, with currently ten sirens installed and the remaining five to be implemented in the last part of Phase II throughout 2023 and 2024. The Outdoor Warning System, costing $1.97 million, has been granted by the City Council to Genasys Inc to design, build, and install the emergency siren network.
While the installation is already an impressive undertaking and undoubtedly important for the safety of residents, the true test of the sirens comes from the people themselves. Once the test is complete, the City urges residents to take a "Did You Hear It?" Siren Test Day Survey to provide anonymous feedback on the system's audibility in real conditions.
These sirens will function, according to the City of Berkeley, in large-scale emergencies when there is an immediate threat to a significant portion of the population near the siren. In addition to these outdoor warning systems, Berkeley's Emergency Map, Wireless Emergency Alerts, and AC Alert will all integrate to provide comprehensive coverage and ensure proactive communication during emergencies.
