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1. Where are the Outdoor Warning Sirens in Erie?

In Erie, sirens are located at (see them on a map):

• MVFPD's Station 6 is located at Erie Parkway and Bonanza Drive in the Grandview neighborhood
• MVFPD's Station 8 is located in Vista Ridge.
• 111th Street in Lafayette, which services southwestern Erie. 

More than thirty outdoor warning sirens are in located across Boulder County. The sirens are in Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Lyons, Eldorado Springs, Jamestown, Superior, Erie, and the University of Colorado at Boulder.

2. When are the Outdoor Warning Sirens Tested?

In Erie, the Outdoor Warning Sirens are tested audibly on the first Monday of April.

All Boulder County sirens undergo weekly tests throughout the year using a software program that performs a “silent” test. All communities have been using the silent test system for years with a high degree of reliability. Audible testing is an additional way to check if sirens are working properly.

For testing details, visit the agency that facilitates testing, the Boulder Office of Disaster Management.

3. What should I do if I hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens?

The outdoor warning sirens are sounded only in the event of an emergency or during pre-announced tests. The sirens are activated through the Boulder County Sheriff's Communications, Boulder Police and Fire Communications, and Longmont Police and Fire Communication centers.

When you hear a siren, you should:

• Tune in to radio stations KOA 850 AM, KBCO 1190 AM, or 97.3 FM
• Turn on local television news channels (2, 4, 7, 9, or 31). Listen for a voice message if you are near a voice-activated siren
• Refrain from calling 911

4. I did not hear the Outdoor Warning Siren. What now?

Outdoor warning sirens may not be heard inside buildings. They are primarily intended to warn persons in outdoor areas. 

It is estimated that about 50% of the public can hear a siren on a still day. During heavy rains or stormy weather, the percentage of people who hear a warning siren is greatly reduced because of the noise associated with the storm and because more people are indoors. 

It is recommended that you opt-in to the other methods to receive Emergency Communications. To get started, visit the Emergency Alerts webpage.

If you would like to submit commentary about the testing, please reach out to the Boulder County Office of Disaster Management.

5. Why are the Outdoor Warning Sirens tested?

Tests aim to familiarize people who work and live in different places with the sirens. 

Additionally, it is important to ensure the sirens work properly and educate the public about what action to take when they hear the sirens.

When you hear a siren, you should:

• Tune in to radio stations KOA 850 AM, KBCO 1190 AM, or 97.3 FM
• Turn on local television news channels (2, 4, 7, 9, or 31). Listen for a voice message if you are near a voice-activated siren
• Refrain from calling 911

6. What additional Emergency Alerts are there?

Emergency Alerts

The Erie Police Department recommends all Erie residents opt-in to all three public safety answering points' emergency notification systems. 
Visit the Emergency Alerts webpage to voluntarily opt-in.

Additional Alerts

It's always important to have multiple ways of receiving a warning. Also tune in to:

• Social Media (trusted sources): Twitter, Ring, Nextdoor, Facebook, Instagram
• TV
• Family
• Landline phone
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Outdoor Warning Sirens