Gatlinburg to Test New Outdoor Warning Siren System

The City of Gatlinburg will be testing the Outdoor Warning Siren system promptly at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 for the City of Gatlinburg and the immediate adjacent Sevier County areas. This test will activate all 14 outdoor warning sirens including the 9 new sirens recently installed with Phase 2 and the 5 sirens installed with Phase 1. After several months of planning and installation all new sirens are operational and ready for use.

Sevier County EMA will also utilize this time to perform a test of both the CodeRed and IPAWS system for the Gatlinburg area. Residents can expect to receive cellular phone calls and text messages advising of the test of the system.

During an actual emergency, when residents hear the sirens they should take cover immediately and tune into a local radio or television station to receive additional emergency information. Officials urge that residents should not call 911 or local emergency officials for information as this can tie up telephone lines needed for emergency operations. The sirens are an all-hazards emergency warning system and are intended to warn residents of any life-threatening situation in the area.

Residents are encouraged to sign-up for CodeRed notifications. Check the City of Gatlinburg website at www.gatlinburgtn.gov for a link to sign-up for CodeRed alerts.

Photo: City of Gatlinburg/Facebook