By the City of Hutchinson Public Works Department
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Public Works Department is announcing a modification to the testing schedule for outdoor warning sirens in and around Hutchinson and South Hutchinson. This change is in response to recent staffing schedule adjustments within the department, and it is intended to maintain the reliability of their siren system.
Starting November 7, 2023, the department will be adjusting the timing of the regular siren tests to the following schedule:
– First Tuesday of the Month: 12:00 PM
– Third Tuesday of the Month: 12:00 PM
“The Public Works Department recognizes the importance of consistent siren testing to the safety of our community,” said Brian Clennan, Director of Public Works at the City of Hutchinson. “Our staff plays a vital role in ensuring the proper functioning of our sirens. By adapting our testing schedule to better suit their availability, we can maintain the reliability of our outdoor warning system.”
The new testing schedule will become effective on November 7, 2023. It’s essential to emphasize that these siren tests are a routine maintenance activity and not a sign of any immediate emergency situation.
The Public Works Department requests that residents and businesses in the area take note of this schedule change to prevent any confusion. Your understanding and cooperation in this matter are greatly appreciated.
It’s important to note that the siren test may be canceled for two primary reasons:
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Extreme cold, freezing rain/drizzle, and/or icing could potentially damage the equipment, making a cancellation necessary.
- Severe Weather Potential: In cases of severe weather or the potential for severe weather in the local area, activating the outdoor warning system might cause confusion as to whether the activation is a real event, and, as a result, the test may be canceled.
While the outdoor warning system can be an effective method of notifying those outdoors, it is only one component of a comprehensive emergency warning system including the use of NOAA weather radios, resident emergency alert system, internet, cell phone applications, local media outlets, and sky conditions.
Designed as an outdoor warning system, the sirens should not be relied upon to provide sufficient warning indoors or in noisy areas. Air conditioning, thunder, wind, rain, and other conditions can cause the sirens not to be heard indoors or outdoors (even if sirens can be heard during tests).
Sirens are also subject to lightning strikes and other equipment malfunction. For these reasons, everyone is encouraged to have multiple ways to receive information about severe weather.
For any questions or concerns regarding the updated siren testing schedule, please feel free to reach out to Cecil Weible, Street Superintendent for further information.
