Outdoor Warning Sirens

The Outdoor Warning Siren System consists of 21 warning sirens within the Richardson city limits. The system is tested silently each day. However, in order to ensure proper operation of the entire system, audible testing is necessary. Therefore, the Outdoor Warning Siren System will be tested the first Wednesday of every month at noon. Each audible test will include approximately 30 seconds of audible siren sound.

NOTE: In case of inclement weather, the siren test will be canceled in an effort to avoid confusion between the test and an actual event. Notification of this cancellation will be posted on this page as soon as possible once the determination is made to cancel the test.

The Warning System will be activated when:

• The National Weather Service issues a Richardson area Tornado Warning or Severe Thunderstorm Warning with destructive winds at or above 70 mph
• Trained storm spotters have reported a tornado with the potential to affect the City of Richardson
• Hail of 1.25 inches (Half Dollar) in diameter is imminent
• Deemed necessary by City of Richardson officials (i.e. in the event of any emergency when officials need to get citizens to move indoors for their safety)

Citizen actions when you hear the sirens when a test is not scheduled:

• Seek shelter indoors and turn on local media (local broadcast channels, radio).
• Follow directions from local officials including information provided by the National Weather Service.
• Only call 911 in case of an actual emergency or when no information is being broadcast
  
  You may not be able to hear the sirens indoors or during an actual event due to high winds and weather conditions. Secure a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) technology to provide dependable indoor warning information to your family.

Click here for frequently asked questions about the Outdoor Warning Sirens.