Installed in partnership with Sentry Siren, Inc., a globally recognized leader in outdoor warning equipment, these sirens provide dependable coverage across the city. Whether alerting residents to tornado warnings, hazardous conditions, or other emergencies, the system ensures timely awareness and response.

This installation reflects Pikeville’s ongoing commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness, reinforcing our dedication to protecting residents and fostering a resilient community.

A Closer Look at Pikeville’s Warning System

Engineered for Reliability, Built for Safety

One of the standout features of Pikeville’s Sentry Storm Sirens is their exceptional battery backup system. During tornadic storms — which often occur in waves over several hours — maintaining power is critical. In the event of an outage caused by an initial strike, the siren’s battery system can continue operating and sound multiple alerts, ensuring uninterrupted protection until power is restored.

To guarantee long-term durability, Pikeville’s custom-made sirens are built using components cast from the same metal ingot. This precision manufacturing allows the parts to expand and contract uniformly with temperature changes, resulting in tighter tolerances and a significantly longer operational life. In fact, when reviewed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for use near power plants, Sentry Sirens were estimated to last at least 53 years — a testament to their superior engineering and resilience.

Following FEMA guidelines, each siren is omni-directional, meaning it does not rotate. This design ensures 360-degree sound coverage, reaching every corner of the designated area with consistent volume and clarity. With four sirens installed across Pikeville, each covering 1.5 to 3 square miles, the system provides comprehensive outdoor alert coverage — giving residents the time and awareness needed to respond to severe weather threats.

Pikeville’s investment in this advanced warning system reflects a deep commitment to public safety, preparedness, and community care — ensuring that when seconds matter, the sirens will be ready.

Monthly Siren Testing

Ensuring Reliability Through Routine Checks

We’re pleased to share that Pikeville’s Siren Warning Systems are now fully installed and operational. These state-of-the-art systems are designed to alert residents during emergencies, playing a vital role in protecting our community during severe weather and other critical events.

Please note:
If inclement weather occurs on the scheduled test day, the test will be postponed until the following month. This precaution helps avoid confusion and ensures the system remains accurate and dependable.

We appreciate the community’s patience during installation and your continued support in reporting any issues or feedback. Together, we’re building a safer, more prepared Pikeville — one alert at a time.

Frequently Asked Siren Questions

1. Why are they called outdoor sirens?

The sirens are called outdoor warning sirens because their primary purpose is to alert people who are outside to severe weather, chemical, or other emergencies. While you may be able to hear the siren inside your house, this is not the primary function of the outdoor warning siren.

2. What should I do if I hear an outdoor warning siren?

If you hear an outdoor warning siren, you should seek shelter inside immediately.  Once inside, you should turn on a television or radio to find out further information. Local officials will be disseminating information about the emergency through these outlets.

3. When should I expect to hear an outdoor warning siren?

The outdoor warning siren are tested on the 15th of each month at 5pm.  During this time, residents will hear the distinct siren tones that indicate a test is in progress.

4. What is the range of the outdoor warning siren?

The siren wail sound can be heard for an approximate distance of 1.5 to 3 square miles.  Sounds can travel different distances depending on weather and other atmospheric conditions, so please remember these distances are just estimates and that the primary function of the outdoor warning sirens is to warn people who are outside of emergencies.

5. Why is the siren system located at City Hall and on Sawmill Road?

Since the primary purpose of the outdoor warning siren is to alert people who are outside to severe weather or chemical emergencies, the sirens were placed in two centralized locations.

6. What does the outdoor warning siren look like?

There is a photo at the top and bottom of this page showing the actual siren atop the chimney at City Hall.