Richardson’s monthly outdoor warning siren tests will increase from 30 seconds to 90 seconds in length starting Jan. 5, with the goal of having three-minute monthly tests starting in July. This lengthened test duration is to meet the recommendations of the sirens’ manufacturer to fully cycle equipment and maintain battery life.
The City’s 21 outdoor warning sirens (and a portable siren trailer) were updated last October with new equipment and solar panels. The system undergoes monthly tests on the first Wednesday of every month at noon, but tests are canceled when there’s inclement weather or even overcast skies.
The outdoor warning sirens are used during tornado events or large hail to warn people to seek shelter and seek more information on a TV or radio.
Website: www.cor.net/sirens
