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Outdoor Sirens
Sirens are activated for:
- Hail greater than 1 inch in size
- Winds greater than 70 mph
- Tornado warnings from the National Weather Service naming Allen in the path
About Allen's Outdoor Warning Sirens
Siren testing
The City of Allen tests outdoor warning sirens at noon on the first Wednesday of every month. Tests will not be performed during severe weather events. If Allen is experiencing severe weather on a regularly-scheduled date for siren testing, please assume the siren is weather-related, seek shelter immediately, and check the City’s website for additional information.
- National Weather Service watch and/or warning text
- Weather radar
- Reports from trained weather-spotters or public safety officers.
Weather Alert Signal
The sirens will sound a wail tone for three (3) minutes to indicate the following:
- Hail 1 inch or greater in size
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning from the National Weather Service with winds forecast more than 70 mph
- Tornado Warning from the National Weather Service naming Allen in the path
Attention Signal
The sirens will sound pulsed-steady tones followed by an announcement providing information regarding the type of alert or warning.
General Alert Signal
The sirens will sound a steady tone for three (3) minutes. This indicates a hazardous materials incident or other emergency that could affect public health, safety or property.
Public Address System
The sirens can be used to make public address announcements with or without any combination of sounds or tones. An attention tone may be issued to draw attention to the warning system before a public address announcement is made.
Testing
Audible siren tests are performed at noon on the first Wednesday of each month. Tests will not be performed during severe weather events. If Allen is experiencing severe weather on a regularly-scheduled date for siren testing, please assume the siren is weather-related and seek shelter immediately.