Outdoor warning sirens test delayed to Sept. 2

[Update: Due to the forecast for rain from Tropical Storm Harvey this weekend, the outdoor warning siren system testing has been postponed until 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. The City also encourages residents to sign up for text, email, or voicemail alerts from City of Georgetown 9-1-1 or Williamson County Emergency Management at warncentraltexas.org.]

Testing for the City’s new outdoor warning sirens is planned for Aug. 26. The audible testing will begin at 11 a.m. and will sound for 90 seconds. Testing will continue monthly on the last Saturday of every month, weather permitting.

The new system, which features 23 outdoor warning sirens located throughout the city, is for sending a “take cover” alert to people who are outdoors. The City’s Office of Emergency Management will activate the warning system when:

• The National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm warning with destructive winds in excess of 70 miles per hour or a tornado warning for areas within or around the City.
• Trained storm spotters have reported a tornado in the City of Georgetown or in areas that could potentially affect the City of Georgetown.
• Trained storm spotters have reported hail 1.25 inches in diameter or greater.
• A chemical emergency is present.

The sirens will rotate 360 degrees sounding a steady tone for three minutes in the event of an emergency and may be continually activated until the danger passes. There is no all-clear message.

The new sirens are funded through a $416,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Administration and a 25 percent match of $139,000 from the City.

To receive text, email, or voicemail alerts from City of Georgetown 911 or Williamson County Emergency Management in the event of a tornado or other threatening hazard, sign up at WarnCentralTexas.org. You may register multiple mobile phones or landlines to receive alerts.