HOT SPRINGS – The first test of the City of Hot Springs’ new downtown emergency warning siren system will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2 and last approximately a half hour as adjustments are made and re-tested.
The test will begin with three alert tones, followed by a voice message stating “This is only a test,” and then a longer siren tone. The sequence will pause for three minutes, and then repeat.
The new system, installed in a total of five locations on Whittington, Park and Central avenues, consists of omnidirectional sirens mounted on 55-foot poles. The sirens are both voice and tone capable. They will be used primarily to warn people outdoors of impending weather threats like floods and tornadoes, or for other emergencies like hazardous chemical spills.
The system’s control center is located at the Central Fire Station, 310 Broadway, and can be activated by the Emergency Operations Center for major city incidents. The system can also be triggered remotely. Like the city’s CodeRED emergency notification system, the siren system is based on National Weather Service warnings and USGS flood warning station data.
The cost of the system, $119,960.25, was included in the 2013 Stormwater Division budget. For information, contact Max Sestili, 321-6773.