Siren to be tested next Wednesday

The City of Albany will test the emergency warning siren at 12:00 noon next Wednesday, Jan. 9, as it does the second Wednesday of every month, depending on the weather.

The tests keep citizens familiar with the three warning sounds, and they are also used to make sure that the siren, computer, software, and radios are working correctly.

The siren should sound one of the three emergency tones at noon on that day, but the siren is not tested if the weather is questionable, according to local fire chief Kyle Tischler. 

The three-minute long constant wail of “severe weather” sirens indicates that severe weather is approaching Albany.

To warn of fire danger the siren is on for 10 seconds, winds down for five seconds, and then is back on for 10 seconds. This two-toned “wavering” signal,  similar to the “wailing” sound made by many police and fire vehicles is repeated for a total of two minutes. 

The third warning tone from the siren warns of impending flooding. The pattern for flood warning is 30 seconds on, 30 second break, 30 seconds on, and is repeated for two minutes.