What residents should know
The system was first installed in 2011 and is equipped with 14 outdoor sirens. The city spent $90,000 on repairs and upgrades to the tower system, including replacing any damaged parts such as solar panels, batteries and sirens.
The system upgrades were funded through City Council-approved contracts, Emergency Management Coordinator Rob Fitch said in an email to Community Impact.
"It took two and half years to get the contract and have all maintenance completed. The major delay was getting parts; a year ago there was a huge shortage of electronic boards in the USA," Fitch said.
Regular “growl testing” will commence on the first Saturday of each month at noon to ensure all sirens are functioning properly. However, in the event of inclement weather, testing will be rescheduled, the news release states.
The Outdoor Warning System will emit three different tones indicating the detection of an imminent threat, either automatically through the National Weather Service or manually as determined by emergency management personnel.
Notable quote
Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator Reese Martin said the sirens were an important public safety tool.
“The San Marcos community has experienced severe flooding and other emergencies. Seconds count in an emergency, and the upgrades to this system will allow us to ensure everyone is notified as soon as possible,” Martin said in a news release.
One more thing
Martin also encouraged residents to sign up for text, email and phone call alerts through Warn Central Texas. To register for Warn Central Texas alerts, visit www.warncentraltexas.org.
