Outdoor Warning System

The Outdoor Warning System (OWS), or “sirens,” is designed to alert persons conducting outdoor activities of a potential threat. Residents who are indoors may not be able to hear the sirens. If you hear the sirens, seek sturdy shelter immediately, make your way to an interior room, away from windows and exterior walls and seek additional information using a NOAA weather radio, smart phone weather app, social media or through traditional media outlets.

The OWS should only be used as a supplemental warning tool, we recommend having at least two or three additional ways to receive alerts. 

 

OWS Activation Criteria

  • The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Tornado Warning.
  • Trained storm spotter reports a tornado.
  • Winds of 70 mph or greater.
  • Observed hail of 1.5” in diameter or greater.
  • Other catastrophic emergencies that pose an immediate threat to safety.

OWS Testing

The City of Fort Worth Fire Department Office of Emergency Management conducts an audible, 90-second test, the first Wednesday of the month at 1 PM and silent test on the remaining Wednesdays of the month. The OWS system will not be tested during periods in which severe or inclement weather could be possible, so as to avoid confusion between actual weather events and testing.

The City of Fort Worth Fire Department Office of Emergency Management will announce, if an audible monthly test will be conducted or if the test will be canceled due to possible inclement weather via social media channels @fwoem (twitter, now X), @fortworthfire (twitter, now X) and Nextdoor.

 

CodeRED Mobile Alerts

You can sign up for CodeRED Mobile Alerts to receive emergency alerts and notifications.

Sign Up

About

Back to top