OUTDOOR WARNING SYSTEM
The City of Midland Outdoor Warning System consists of 25 sirens placed trategically throughout the City.  The sirens may be activated individually or in groups to provide localized warnings. They may also be activated simultaneously to provide a general alert for the entire community. 

The Outdoor Warning System makes use of several different and unique tones to alert residents, who may be outside, to the imminent approach of severe weather and other emergencies that require immediate notification.  This system is a part of an emergency network designed to provide for the safety of our citizens. 

FAQs

What do I do when I hear the warning sirens?
The Outdoor Warning system is tested the first Wednesday of each month at 12:00 noon. These tests will be conducted only if no emergency or threatening weather exists at the time.  If the sirens sound at another time follow these guidelines:

• Remain calm and go indoors immediately; turn on your radio or television, or listen to your Weather Alert Radio.
• Carefully follow instructions.
• Take whatever action is necessary to protect yourself and your family. Unless told otherwise, stay indoors until the emergency has ended.
• Do NOT call 9-1-1 unless you must report a life-threatening situation.

When will the system be activated?
In Midland, residents can experience a variety of emergencies, including the effects of severe weather, civil defense, and hazardous materials accidents.  The sirens produce different sounds depending upon the nature of the emergency.  Here are some examples of possible reasons for the system to be activated:

• Weather Alert
• Hazardous Materials
• General Alert
• All Clear

Is there a siren near my residence?
Midland’s system is a network of 26 sirens placed at various locations throughout the City.  Locations include City parks, fire departments, and other right of ways.  The sirens are not hard to identify.  They are mounted on 55 foot galvanized steel poles. 

Click here to see the siren location map.

Will I be able to hear the sirens inside my house?
The sirens are intended to warn residents who are outdoors of impending danger.  The system can also be heard indoors depending on the level of noise inside a business or residence. The speed and direction of the wind and barriers such as trees and buildings can also affect the sound range. The system was not designed to wake you in the middle of the night.  The Outdoor Warning System does not take the place of Cable Override that helps to inform people who are indoors. 

What is the Cable Override System and how does it work?
The Cable Override System pre-empts cable programming.  This does not include local programming.  Regardless of which cable channel is being watched, a scroll will appear at the bottom of the screen containing information about the threat.  After a short tone, a voice will explain whey the sirens are sounding.

If I have a satellite instead of local cable, will I still get the emergency message on my television?
No.  The Cable Override System is only seen on cable channels of Suddenlink Channel 2 and Grande Communications Channel 6. 

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