Residents of Arlington, yesterday, you may have heard the blast of sirens as the City's Outdoor Warning Siren System underwent its monthly test. This system ensures that in case of severe weather or other outdoor emergencies, the community is promptly alerted. In a cooperative effort between the Arlington Fire Department's Office of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service Fort Worth Office, and other official entities, this system comprises over 50 sirens strategically placed throughout the city to serve as an audible caution for those outdoors.
According to information provided by the City of Arlington, the system is manually operated, and deciding when to activate the sirens is a process that is not taken lightly. They are used to alert for tornado warnings, sightings of tornadoes by trained storm spotters, the presence of large hail or high wind speeds, and other emergency conditions that could pose an immediate threat to the public; the City's system is not automated. Tests are regularly scheduled for 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, weather permitting, and notably, The University of Texas at Arlington conducts its siren tests just a tad earlier at 12:30 p.m.
If you hear the sirens, the City advises you to immediately seek shelter indoors and look for additional information on local TV, radio, or online news resources. The Fire Department also encourages visiting its Severe Weather page for more details on preparing for such events. Given that the Outdoor Warning Sirens are meant for those outside, it's recommended that residents and businesses invest in a NOAA Weather Radio for indoor alerts.
