TEXARKANA, Texas – After years of planning, the City of Texarkana has announced a major public safety upgrade: the full replacement of its weather alert siren system. The project, aimed at enhancing community readiness for emergencies, will be completed within the next few weeks.
New Sirens Promise Faster, Smarter Alerts
According to officials, ten of the thirteen new sirens are ready for installation, with completion expected within two to four weeks, weather permitting. Some of the city’s original sirens had been in operation for over five decades, and the new system marks a significant modernization step.
“These newer models are designed for greater reliability and flexibility,” explained Texarkana Fire Department Chief Chris Black. “They can be manually activated by emergency personnel or automatically triggered by National Weather Service alerts.”
The upgraded sirens won’t just warn of severe weather — they can also be used during hazardous events such as chemical spills or train derailments.
“They’re not meant to be heard clearly inside your home,” Chief Black emphasized. “They’re meant to alert people who are outside to go inside, seek shelter, and get more information.”
Expanded Coverage for Residents
The city says the new sirens will be strategically placed to ensure over 90% of residents fall within an audible range. Some of the installations will be relocated to new positions for optimal coverage across Texarkana.
This expansion means that more neighborhoods — including previously under-covered areas — will now receive timely warnings in the event of severe storms, tornadoes, or industrial emergencies.
Encouraging Residents to Stay Connected
Alongside the siren upgrade, officials are urging citizens to enroll in Hyper-Reach, Texarkana’s emergency notification system. The service delivers mass phone alerts directly to residents in affected areas, ensuring they receive critical updates even when indoors or away from outdoor siren coverage.
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness
Once the installation wraps up, the upgraded system will mark a milestone in Texarkana’s emergency infrastructure, combining modern technology with community engagement to improve response times and overall safety.
Residents can expect testing phases and public awareness campaigns in the coming weeks to familiarize them with the new siren tones and alert procedures.
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