The City of Eastland
installed a new siren system in 2006 and upgraded it in 2007. This system
consists of five sirens located strategically within the City limits.
Each siren covers approximately a 1.12-mile radius.
Click
here to see map.
The sirens are
uni-directional and rotating for maximum coverage. Within these areas, readings
of 70 decibels or more are likely at locations out-of-doors.
If there is a power outage,
each siren will operate off of a battery system that can last for an extended
period of time without electricity, and then will be recharged once electricity
has been restored.
The sirens are activated by
a radio signal sent from the encoder located in the Eastland Fire
Department. The software used, continuously monitors the system, and
reports back to the Fire Department if there is any problem with any of the
sirens. If there is a problem with the system at the Fire Department and they
are unable to activate the sirens, there is a backup system that can be used to
activate the system at Eastland Police Department.
What should I do if the
Sirens are activated?
In the event that the
Warning Sirens are activated, SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY, then
listen to the radio or TV to get details on the changing weather
conditions. The CodeRED system will also be
activated. In the event of an actual warning the sirens will be sounded
for a minimum of three minutes. The warning sirens may be sounded several times
if the threat is continuing. This increases the chances that people will
hear it, even indoors.
Does the City test
their Sirens?
Yes, the sirens are tested
on the first day of each month at noon. The test lasts for about 30
seconds. A silent test is performed
weekly to make certain all the systems are operational.
The purpose of the testing
is to assure that the emergency siren system is
functioning properly in preparation for weather-related
emergencies and other public safety concerns.
Who can hear the
Sirens?
The City operates five
Outdoor Warning Sirens designed to give warning to persons outside. This
is because people outdoors may not have the same access to warning and information
that those inside do. People who are outside need time to reach shelter.
Can Sirens be heard
inside?
Sirens can penetrate
buildings close to the siren units, but this is not the goal. Do not rely
on indoor warning from siren systems. Newer structures are insulated
better and more likely to keep sound out. The sirens cannot be made
louder to penetrate buildings because doing so would pose a danger to the
hearing of people who are outdoors.
Is there an all clear
sounded by the Siren System?
There is no all clear
sounded by the Outdoor Warning Siren System. Listen to the radio or TV
for an all clear to be given, or if you are unable to listen due to a power
outage, the warning usually expires one hour after the last siren has sounded.
What warning tones are
used by the Siren System?
There are three distinct
tones used to warn of life-threatening emergencies:
For weather related
emergencies, such as tornado,
straight-line wind greater than 60 miles per hour, or hail larger than
golf-ball size, the sirens will sound the ALERT TONE. To hear this tone, click the link.
For hazardous materials
incidents, such as train derailment,
tanker truck collision, or any incident involving possible evacuation of an
area due to chemical hazard, the sirens will sound the DISCONTINUOUS AIR HORN TONE. To hear this tone, click the link.
For imminent flash flood, when low-lying areas should be evacuated
immediately, the sirens will sound the HI-LO TONE. To hear this tone, click the link
What other warning
systems are available to the residents of Eastland?
In addition to the siren
system, the City of Eastland can activate the CodeRED telephone
system, which is capable of dialing 2000 telephones within two minutes. CodeRED is an
address-based database that can deliver pre-recorded warning messages to
residents very quickly.
The City also has the
capability of interrupting cable TV programming to deliver emergency warning
messages. These two systems, along with
the Emergency Alert System (EAS), supplement the outdoor warning siren system
and provide warning to residents who
are already indoors when the emergency arises.
What else can I do for
my family’s safety?
You can purchase a NOAA
All-hazards radio that will alert you to weather watches and warnings that are
specific to Eastland County. These
radios, operated on AC current and/or batteries, are inexpensive, and can provide
timely warnings of hazardous weather conditions, as well as AMBER alerts and
other hazard warnings. They differ from
police scanners in that they remain silent until the National Weather Service
sends a tone to activate the radio prior to issuing a warning.
Where can I find more
information about CodeRED?
Information on CodeRED can be found by clicking HERE.
How can I be sure that
my telephone number is in the CodeRED database?
If you have had the same telephone
number for the past five years, and your number is listed in the directory, you
are most likely already in the database.
If you have a new phone, or a cell phone, or an unlisted phone number,
you can click on the logo below and it will take you to a website where you may
enter your information. Only residents
of Eastland will be accepted for inclusion in the database.
