What to do when you hear the City’s Outdoor Warning sirens

The City’s 156 Outdoor Warning sirens are activated when Dallas is threatened by severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and hail. The sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of every month.

When the sirens are activated due to an actual weather emergency, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) staff advises residents to take shelter in an interior room like a bathroom or closet. Stay away from windows. Get under pillows or heavy furniture for even more protection.

If you’re outside when the sirens go off, and a tornado is approaching, lie in a ditch, ravine, culvert or other low-lying area that isn’t prone to flooding. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. Staying in a mobile home or vehicle can also be dangerous, so plan on having a designated evacuation location.

To get emergency alerts while indoors, purchase an NOAA All Hazards Radio. Follow @DallasOEM for weather warnings and updates.

For OEM’s full breakdown on outdoor warning sirens and how they work, click here.