Activation Considerations (PDF Attached)
Outdoor Weather Need to Know Facts (open Link for details)
During an Emergency
Residents will hear a steady signal of the sirens for 3-5 minutes. Seek shelter in an interior room in your home or office like a bathroom, closet, or other room. Avoid outside walls and windows. Use pillows or get under heavy furniture for protection.
Warning Siren Address Locations
The City of Crowley’s Outdoor Warning System consists of seven (7) outdoor warning sirens located throughout the City that are designed to inform residents who are outside of a possible emergency. The Outdoor Warning Sirens are part of an emergency system designed to provide immediate and valuable information to citizens. The system is not intended to alert those who are within a home or other structure; however, it is possible that you may still be able to hear a siren while indoors depending on your proximity to a siren; considering outdoor conditions at the time of activation.
- Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service
- Trained storm spotter report of a tornado
- Hail 1.5” or larger
- Winds of 70 mph or higher
- Other outdoor emergencies
What To Do If Sirens Are Activated
If you hear the sirens while you are outside, please go inside and seek shelter immediately and refer to a television or radio for further instructions. Please do not call 9-1-1 for severe weather information. Call 9-1-1 only to report life-threatening situations.
Siren Testing
Audible tests of the system are performed on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m., weather permitting.
Types of Weather alerts
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are coming together for an organized severe weather event, and outlines the area where hail 1 inch in diameter or larger and/or damaging thunderstorm winds (58+ mph) are expected to occur during the next 1 to 8 hours.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that a thunderstorm capable of producing hail 1 inch in diameter or larger and/or damaging winds (58+ mph) is imminent or occurring. These warnings are issued for smaller areas than a Watch where the storm is expected to track.
Tornado Watch
A Tornado Watch follows the same definition above for a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, but also includes the potential for at least a few tornadoes.
Tornado Warning
A Tornado Warning means that a tornado is imminent or occurring.
What does it mean when I hear the outdoor warning sirens?
In short, it means that something life-threatening is happening and you should go indoors and get more information. The specific guidelines (tornado, hail, wind, etc.) for sounding sirens vary by jurisdiction, so check with your local community to find out the specifics if you are interested.
What should I do when I hear the outdoor warning sirens?
When the sirens are heard, go inside and tune in to local media to get more information.
Why can’t I hear the outdoor warning sirens in my house?
Sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching.
How can I get alerts when I’m at work or in my house?
For alerts indoors, every home and business should have an NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards. NOAA Weather Radio is like a smoke detector for severe weather, and it can wake you up when a warning is issued for your area so you can take appropriate action.
When are outdoor warning sirens tested?
Sirens are tested according to the local community or state policies. In the City of Crowley, this is on the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m.
Why don’t the outdoor warning sirens sound an all-clear signal?
People should be indoors and monitoring local media for updates on the storm.
Why are the outdoor warning sirens sometimes sounded for hail and wind?
When thunderstorm winds exceed 70 mph, trees can be uprooted or snapped. Hail that is a golf ball-sized or larger can break windows. Both of these things pose a direct risk to life if people are caught outdoors.
How often can I expect the outdoor warning sirens to sound for severe weather?
On average, the City of Crowley area experiences 5 storms each year that meet the common siren guidelines. You can find information about past storms and their frequency in your community through the National Climatic Data Center.
Will the outdoor warning sirens warn me of every dangerous storm?
The safest approach is to be proactive and use all of the information available to protect yourself and your family from threatening weather. Nothing can replace common sense. If a storm is approaching, the lightning alone is a threat. Sirens are only one part of a warning system that includes preparation, NOAA Weather Radio, and local media.
Who activates the outdoor warning sirens?
The City of Crowley warning sirens is managed thru the Emergency Management Division within the Fire Department. The City's Emergency Management Plan includes officials designated to activate the Warning Sirens.
Where can I get more information?
Check out these resources:
NOAA Weather Radio
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