Pikeville, Tennessee

Weather Warning Siren System

The City of Pikeville is proud to announce the installation of a new, state-of-the-art Weather Warning Siren System, thanks to grant funds provided by FEMA. Completed by Sirens for Cities, Inc. on April 25, 2023, this system ensures our community’s safety during severe weather events. With a rich history dating back to 1917, Sirens for Cities is renowned for their high-quality, motor-driven, omni-directional sirens, recognized as the best in the industry. They take immense pride in the durability, performance, and long-lasting nature of their products. Working in collaboration with Sentry Siren, Inc. (Authorized Dealer), known worldwide for their top-notch outdoor warning equipment, Pikeville can now rely on a reliable and effective warning system to protect its residents and ensure their safety in times of inclement weather. The installation of this cutting-edge siren system is a testament to the city’s commitment to enhancing public safety and preparedness.

A little more about the Warning System

One of the notable features of the Sentry Storm Sirens is its impressive battery life. During tornadic storms, which often occur in series over a span of 3-5 hours, maintaining power supply is crucial. In the event of a power outage caused by the initial storm, the siren’s batteries can keep the system active even after sounding the alarm multiple times before power is restored. This ensures that the warning system remains operational and continues to provide essential alerts to the community.

To guarantee durability and reliability, Pikeville’s custom-made siren is constructed using parts cast from the same metal ingot. This unique manufacturing process ensures that the components expand and contract at the same rate in response to changes in temperature, allowing for significantly closer tolerances and a longer operational life. In fact, when evaluated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for potential use around power plants, Sentry Sirens were estimated to have a remarkable life expectancy of at least 53 years. This outstanding longevity serves as a testament to the siren’s superior quality and ability to withstand various environmental conditions.

In accordance with FEMA’s recommendations, the Sentry Storm Siren is designed to be omni-directional, meaning it doesn’t rotate. This feature allows for 360-degree sound coverage, ensuring that the warning message reaches every corner of the designated area. With each of the four sirens in the warning system capable of providing the FEMA-recommended alert level for outdoor warnings, Pikeville’s community can rely on a comprehensive coverage of 1.5-3 square miles per siren. This extensive reach ensures that a wide area is alerted to potential threats, allowing residents to take necessary precautions and stay safe in times of severe weather.

Siren Monthly Testing

We are pleased to inform you that the installation of the Siren Warning System has been successfully completed and is now fully operational. This state-of-the-art system is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of our community by alerting residents in the event of an emergency.

To ensure the system’s efficacy, regular testing will be conducted every month. The testing is scheduled to take place on the first Friday of each month at 12pm (noon). During this time, residents will hear the distinct siren tones that indicate a test is in progress. These tests are crucial in guaranteeing that the system is functioning optimally and can be relied upon in critical situations.

However, it is important to note that in the event of inclement weather on the scheduled testing day (first Friday of the month), the testing will be postponed. In such cases, the test will be rescheduled to the following Monday, allowing for safe and accurate results. This precaution is taken to ensure that adverse weather conditions do not interfere with the reliability and accuracy of the system.

We would like to express our gratitude for your patience during the installation process, as well as for your cooperation in providing feedback on any discrepancies or issues that may arise with the Siren Warning System. Together, we can ensure the safety and security of our community, continuously improving and maintaining this vital emergency alert system.