FAQs • Garland, TX • CivicEngage

When are the outdoor sirens used?

The Warning Sirens Can Be Activated When:

The National Weather Service issues a Garland 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 Garland
Hail of 1.75 inches (golf ball size) in diameter is imminent
Deemed necessary by City of Garland officials (i.e. in the event of any emergency when officials need to get citizens to move indoors for their safety such as a chemical spill)

▼
Emergency Management - Outdoor Warning Sirens

The Warning Sirens Can Be Activated When:

The National Weather Service issues a Garland 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 Garland
Hail of 1.75 inches (golf ball size) in diameter is imminent
Deemed necessary by City of Garland officials (i.e. in the event of any emergency when officials need to get citizens to move indoors for their safety such as a chemical spill)

2. Why can’t I hear the outdoor warning siren in my house?: Homes are built to insulate against noise and most likely will not allow siren sounds to penetrate inside your home. The warning sirens are designed to be "outdoor" warning sirens only. They are for people who may be outside away from other sources of information. If the forecasters say to take cover, please do so immediately. Do not wait to hear the warning siren to take protective actions inside your home during severe weather.

3. When are the outdoor warning sirens tested?: Audible testing will occur on the first Wednesday of the month if conditions are favorable. The test will be an audible test and generally lasts about 30 seconds. Testing only occurs when weather conditions are “clear.” This means we will never test the sirens if the weather conditions outside could be confused for a real siren activation.

4. Why do we test the outdoor warning sirens so often?: It helps conditions the batteries for optimal use and makes sure the sirens are properly functioning. This also makes sure the residents of Garland are familiar with the siren system.

5. Why was the siren sounded when it was sunny outside?: If you are hearing them on Wednesday at lunch, it is probably the result of a test. However there may also be instances where there is severe weather in one part of Garland, but not another. We must err on the side of caution and sound the sirens to warn the residents in the warning area even if it means that we warn some that are not in danger.

6. What do you do when a outdoor siren sounds?: If you hear the sirens, seek sturdy shelter immediately. Make your way to an interior room, away from windows and exterior walls, and turn on a radio or television to a local station for more information about what the specific hazard is.

There are 16 sirens located throughout the City of Garland. For more information please visit the Emergency Management page.

8. Do the outdoor warning sirens cover all of Garland?: No, the sirens were strategically placed to maximize coverage and reach individuals caught outside before dangerous conditions occur. Most sirens are located in outdoor gathering locations such as parks, ball fields, and the mall.