BOULDER COUNTY - Over the next two weeks, 20 outdoor warning sirens will be replaced throughout unincorporated Boulder County and various municipalities. 

“At the request of first responders, these sirens may be used for alerting affected areas during wildfires, floods, hazardous materials and other disasters,” said Mike Chard, Office of Disaster Management Director. 

During installation, the sirens will be tested, and community members can expect to hear the siren speaking, “This is a test of the outdoor warning system. This is only a test.” 

Communities receiving new warning sirens include: Eldorado Springs, Jamestown, Lyons, Erie, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior and unincorporated Boulder County near Marshall.

The outdoor emergency sirens warn community members about weather related emergencies, and depending on programming, hazardous materials and wildfires. Sirens are meant to reach and be heard by people who are outside, not indoors.

With the siren upgrade, it’s a good opportunity for community members to sign up for emergency alerts at: www.BoCoAlert.com. This system allows all community members in Boulder County to be notified of emergency situations in a variety of ways including on their cell phone, home, work phones, text messaging, and email.

Community members are encouraged to review their own emergency preparedness plans and discuss what they would do in the event of a flash flood or other emergency.

For more information about personal preparedness, including upcoming training courses, please visit: www.BoulderODM.gov.