Outdoor warning systemSpring in Texas is prime time for severe weather. And when severe weather hits, people may rely on emergency notifications to know when to take cover.

What many people may not know is that the city’s outdoor warning system is not meant to be heard indoors, and it is used for more than just tornado warnings.

The outdoor warning system is meant to alert people who are outside during an emergency situation to take shelter, according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Emergency situations include severe weather, emergencies involving hazardous materials, acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.

Severe weather can include hail that is at least 1.25 inches in diameter, according to NCTCOG.

Outdoor warning systemThe city tests its system at noon on the first Wednesday of the month. System testing will not take place if there is a chance for severe weather that day, according to the city.

Because the outdoor warning system is designed to alert people outside, the sirens may not be heard indoors. Instead, Frisco residents can tune to WBAP Radio 820 AM or turn on one of the following cable channels for emergency information: Channel 12 for Grande subscribers, Channel 16 for Time-Warner subscribers, Channel 37 for Verizon FIOS subscribers and Channel 99 for AT&T U-verse subscribers.