Outdoor Warning Sirens

What do outdoor sirens sound like?

A loud piercing high pitched whine sound that can be heard outdoors. Siren activations sound once for 2 to 3 minutes.

Listen to a recording of one of our outdoor sirens (MP3, 158KB)

When will I hear the sirens?

When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning that includes the City of Grand Rapids or upon report of an observed tornado with the potential to impact the City of Grand Rapids. The siren system within the City of Grand Rapids is separate from those in surrounding Kent County. When the city's siren system is activated, all the city's sirens will sound simultaneously.

What should I do when I hear sirens?

Seek shelter indoors, ideally in the basement and stay away from windows and doors. If there is no basement, take cover in a small room in the center of the house or building on the lowest level (such as a bathroom or closet). Turn on your TV, radio or check the National Weather Service website for more information. 

If you are in a vehicle when the sirens sound, seek shelter in a safe structure, ditch or ravine away from the vehicle. Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass.

If you are outdoors and not near a safe structure, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and hold onto something on the ground if available.

When are the sirens tested?

Outdoor warning sirens are tested on the first Friday of every month at noon, April through October.