On a day like today, with 12" of snow expected, and occasional whiteout conditions, I am reading the article in my water bill about siren testing for the upcoming severe weather season --- tornados!
With the tornado we experienced here in Aurora last spring, they are vamping up their testing with all 56 sirens located across the City of Aurora.
When the sirens are activated - there is a three-minute "wail" tone, which means you need to take cover. Sirens are activated when The National Weather Service has spotted a funnel cloud, or a weather spotter has called in a sighting. There will be a 30-second "whoop" tone sounded when it is deemed "all clear".
Each siren is powered by a solar-powered battery with a 4000-foot sound radius for broadcasting and 70-decibel covereage. These sirens are audible anywhere within Aurora City limits.
Silent testing is done weekly, with audible testing done this year on 5/11/10 at 11 am.
Joan Cox
Metro Brokers - House to Home, Inc.
Denver, CO 80237
720-231-6373
