Monthly Siren Testing

Monthly audible tests may be canceled due to inclement or overcast weather.

The Outdoor Warning Siren System consists of 22 warning sirens within the Richardson city limits.

• Audible testing is necessary to ensure proper operation of the entire system.
• Regular monthly audible tests will include approximately 3 minutes of audible siren sound, strobe light flashing, and rotation.
• The manufacturer recommends weekly growl tests and monthly sustained tests to ensure that mechanical parts of the sirens are in working order.
  
  • NOTE: In inclement weather, the siren test will be canceled to avoid confusion between the test and an actual event.

The Outdoor Warning Siren System can be activated if:

• 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 potentially affecting the City of Richardson.         
• Hail of 1.5 inches (ping pong ball size) in diameter is imminent.
• Deemed necessary by City of Richardson officials (i.e., in emergencies when officials need to get citizens to move indoors for their safety).

Citizen actions if 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 from the National Weather Service.
• Only call 9-1-1 in case of an actual emergency.

Sirens can malfunction due to lightning strikes or other issues. You may not be able to hear the sirens indoors or during an actual event due to high winds and weather conditions. Purchase a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio to provide reliable indoor warning information to your family.

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

Siren System

All sirens were updated in 2021 with entirely new components, including heads, control boxes, chargers, batteries, strobes, and solar panels for all 21 units and the portable siren trailer.

To reach our whole community, the City of Richardson has retrofitted all outdoor warning sirens with strobes. Strobes flash when the siren is activated, adding a visual alert component that reinforces the need to take shelter indoors immediately and seek more information. 

The new siren system will incorporate longer siren tests as recommended by the manufacturer. Sustained tests are needed to cycle equipment and maintain battery life fully. Richardson used a phased approach to build towards a full 3-minute test and weekly growl each month. 

Short-blast growl tests occur on the month's second, third, fourth, and fifth Wednesdays. Weekly short-blast growl tests are a diagnostic test and a brief workout of the sirens, which quietly rotate the siren for 12-seconds, and then give a brief 2-second siren sound. The rotator motor and “growl” equipment cycle sounds are noticeable to those nearby.