The City of Caldwell Community Warning Alert Warning System is an electromechanical state of the art siren system. The specifically designed system for Caldwell provides comprehensive coverage with four (4) sirens, strategically located throughout the city. Outdoor Warning Sirens (OWS) are primarily used to warn citizens of approaching severe weather conditions while outdoors. However, they are also used for other emergencies such as a hazardous chemical spill, which may require sheltering in place or evacuating. People visiting our parks, in their yard, or at other outdoor locations in the City would hear the loud sound from the OWS. After hearing the OWS, please seek more information from local radio and television broadcasts.
Warning Sirens
The sirens are uni-directional sirens, which will operate from AC power, with a battery backup system, to maintain the siren’s operation in case of AC power loss. The siren speakers are mounted on top of 55′ wooden poles. The sirens have three (3) unique warning signals, which are activated from the Police Department Dispatch Center.
AM Broadcast Station
The system also includes a low power AM Radio Broadcast Station. The station will be used to broadcast weather watches and warnings. In addition, City and School District activity information can be communicated to the public. This information can be received by tuning to 530 AM on your home or automobile radio.
Siren Sounds
Sirens have two (2) unique sounds use specifically for severe weather and hazardous materials emergencies. The standard will and alert sounds are used for these two emergencies. The sirens have special ten (10) second test feature, which will be sounded on the first Wednesday of each month at 2:00 pm.
The following is a list of the warning tones provided by the sirens, followed by a description of each tone and a reason for its activation:
- Weather Warning (Wail): The Weather Warning alert will be a tone that slowly rises to its peak and declines to its minimum. This alert will sound for three (3) minutes, or until the emergency situation has passed.
- Haz-Mat Warning (Steady): The Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat) Warning alert will be a tone that rises to its peak and maintains its full strength without declining. This alert will sound for three (3) minutes or until the emergency has passed.
- Siren Test (Fast Wail): The City of Caldwell tests the Outdoor Warning Sirens every month on the first Wednesday at 2:00PM. The test function will be a tone that rises and declines much quicker than the Weather Warning. This test will only last for ten (10) seconds.
Watches vs Warnings
It is important to know the difference between a watch and a warning. The information and graphic below can help you in preparing for the next time severe weather threatens our area. A Weather Watch is issued by the National Weather Service Storms Office in Kansas City, Missouri. A Watch is issued when conditions are right for severe weather to form.
A Weather Warning is issued in our area by the National Weather Service in Houston, Texas. A Warning is issued when Severe Weather is spotted in the area by radar or trained weather spotters. Warnings could be for severe thunderstorms, tornados, or flash floods.
Stay Safe…
When thunderstorms approach…
- If you hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning, go to a safe location immediately.
- Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Use telephones only in an emergency.
- Do not take a bath or shower.
- Turn off air conditioners; power surges from lightning can overload compressors.
If caught outdoors…
- Find a place away from trees, fences, and poles.
- If in the woods, take shelter under smaller trees.
- If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground or on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground.
If a tornado is approach or if the siren sounds…
- Get indoors immediately; get into a closet or bathroom; stay away from windows or glass.
- Do not attempt to outrun a tornado in a car. Get out of the car and into a sturdy building.
- If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
Stay Informed…
Designated City Personnel monitor national and local weather conditions. When conditions warrant, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated, and the city storm spotters are deployed. The EOC staff monitors the National Weather Service and our city storm spotters. When necessary, information will be communicated by siren activation, 530 AM radio broadcasts, and Official City Social Media accounts, website, and community notifications.
Use the buttons below to sign up for community notifications and to follow the us on social media.
The City of Caldwell Outdoor Warning Sirens are provided by Federal Signals. For more information, please call 979-567-3271.
Hello
What is a Passkey?
Imagine signing into your account as easily as unlocking your phone—no more worrying about remembering or typing a password. A passkey is a secure digital key that uses the safety features in your device to keep your account protected. It’s designed to be both simple to use and highly secure.
Ready to experience a simpler, safer sign-in? Click the button above to create your passkey now.