Sirens are an effective way to warn people who are outdoors and in an immediate threat to safety. They are primarily intended to warn individuals in outdoor and high-risk areas. The sirens will broadcast a voice message immediately following the siren signal to inform the public of the situation and what actions should be taken.
More than thirty outdoor warning sirens are in place across Boulder County in:
- Boulder
- Lafayette
- Lyons
- Eldorado Springs
- Jamestown
- Superior
- Erie
- University of Colorado at Boulder.
When a flood, tornado or other disaster occurs, the sirens will sound. The sound and length of the signal may vary, depending on the situation. Listen for voice commands and tune to a local radio or TV station for further information.
The outdoor warning sirens are sounded only in the event of an emergency or during per-announced tests. The sirens are activated through the Boulder County Sheriff’s Communications, Boulder Police and Fire Communications.
When you hear a siren
- Visit www.boulderoem.com for the latest emergency information.
- Tune-in Boulder Municipal Cable Channel 8 (for those with cable TV in Boulder).
- Tune-in to radio stations KOA 850 AM, KBCO 1190 AM or 97.3 FM.
- Turn-on local television news channels (2, 4, 7, 9 or 31). Listen for a voice message if you are near a voice activated siren.
- Refrain from calling 9-1-1 unless you are experiencing an emergency.
Siren tests
Sirens are tested regularly on the first Monday of each month from April through August. The two-minute tests are done at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. The purpose of the two tests is to familiarize people who work and live in different places with the sirens. Additionally, it is important to make sure the sirens work property and to educate the public about what action to take when they hear the sirens.