If you’re a resident of Coppell, chances are you’ve heard the City’s Outdoor Warning Sirens either during severe weather or on the first Wednesday of each month when audible testing is performed.
These sirens are strategically placed throughout the City and most commonly emit a steady single tone to alert residents of a local emergency such as a tornado warning, destructive winds in excess of 70 miles per hour, or when hail 1.5 inches or larger is likely. The system also has the capability to emit a wavering tone for national emergencies as well as voice public address for more pressing emergencies.
While some might hear them quite clearly inside their homes or businesses, just as the name implies, the Outdoor Warning Sirens are intended to alert people outdoors to seek shelter. They are not meant to be a reliable warning system for people who are indoors. This is why one of the main guidelines for emergency preparedness is to have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. A single method may not be effective at all times or in all situations.
The City of Coppell’s Emergency Management department recommends signing up for emergency alerts through NotifyCoppell. Residents can choose to receive a phone call, text message and/or email when there is critical information to be shared. Another great way to stay informed is to purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All-Hazards Radio wherever electronics are sold. Most weather radios operate on both an AC power wall adapter and battery backup, which is important for emergencies experiencing power failure, as traditional communication mechanisms (TV, radio, landline phone) may not function. Other emergency alert methods include downloading a smartphone app such as The Weather Channel or AccuWeather.
For more information about the City’s Outdoor Warning Sirens and emergency alert notifications, please visit coppelltx.gov/em or call 972-462-5326.