When severe weather hits, every second counts. One of the most recognizable emergency signals is the outdoor weather siren. In Lexington, we have many outdoor sirens that serve a critical purpose.
Outdoor Warning Sirens
Lexington has 32 outdoor warning sirens to alert those who are outside when an emergency event is approaching, most commonly a tornado or severe thunderstorm. These sirens are intended to alert those outside such as in public parks and are not intended to be heard indoors. While the sirens can be heard from a from a quarter to half-mile away, someone inside may not hear the siren at all depending on the conditions. That is why it is important to have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts such as a battery-powered NOAA weather radio or LEXALERTS via the BeReady Lexington mobile app.
Siren Activation
In Lexington-Fayette County, outdoor sirens are activated for a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado watch between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to midnight. For a tornado warning, sirens will be activated any time around the clock.
The Division of Emergency Management tests the sirens at 10:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month, except when an actual severe weather event is likely. The sirens produce a Westminster Chime followed by a public address announcing the test. Additionally, the sirens are “quiet tested” – meaning they are tested without any sound, wail, or announcement – daily to ensure proper functioning.
Alert Tones
Each siren can play different alert tones depending on the hazard and can also be used as a public address system. Do you know the difference?
- Westminster Chime (followed by verbal instructions): used for siren tests, severe thunderstorm warning, tornado watch
- Steady Tone: used for tornado warnings
- Wail Tone (followed by verbal instructions): used for evacuation, shelter in place, all clear
When You Hear a Siren
When you are outdoors and hear a siren:
- Seek shelter immediately – Go inside a sturdy building, ideally in a basement or an interior room without windows
- Check for alerts – Use your phone, weather apps, NOAA weather radio, local news, or LEXALERTS to receive official updates
- Stay informed – Continue to monitor updates until the storm or hazardous conditions have passed
Learn More
To see the full list of siren locations for Fayette County and additional information, visit the Frequently Asked Siren Questions page. Siren locations may also be viewed from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Siren Locations Map.
Article by: Sam Surber
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