The City of Arlington’s Outdoor Warning Siren System is activated by Arlington Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management personnel in coordination with the National Weather Service Fort Worth Office and other official sources. The Outdoor Warning Siren System is not an automated system and much consideration goes into when the City’s more than 50 sirens are activated.

Arlington’s Outdoor Warning Siren monthly test is conducted at 1 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, barring inclement weather. The University of Texas at Arlington tests its Outdoor Warning Sirens at 12:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Outdoor Warning Sirens used for?

To alert the outdoor public of a potential or imminent threat.

Under what conditions could the City activate the sirens?

• Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service

• Trained storm spotter report of a tornado

• Hail 1.5” or larger

• Winds of 70 mph or higher

• Other outdoor emergencies

What do I do when I hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens?

Move indoors and seek additional information from news sources. Look for information through your local television channels, radio, or social media. Visit the Fire Department’s Severe Weather page for more preparedness information.

What if I can’t hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens from inside my home?

The Outdoor Warning Sirens are intended to alert the outdoor public. To receive warnings inside of homes and business, it is recommended that you purchase a NOAA Weather Radio.The NOAA Weather Radio will alert you when the National Weather Service determines there is a significant weather threat for your area.