Sikeston DPS to test new public warning system | News

SIKESTON, MO (KFVS) - The Sikeston Public Safety says they will be testing the new public warning system.

In the last few weeks, Sikeston DPS installed two new public warning devices as part of an update to the old system. They say one of the new units was placed near the intersection of Main and Malone and the other was placed near Murray Lane and Branum Street. These two are the newest additions of the total eight locations in the community.

DPS says together, these eight devices can warn the public about approaching danger such as severe weather or other issues.

With all the units now in place, DPS says they will be conducting extensive testing to make sure they are programmed correctly. In the coming days residents will likely hear these sirens being tested a number of times. They say this testing will only be done in the absence of severe weather because they don't want there to be any confusion during the testing.

DPS is asking members of the community to bear with them during this programming phase. They ask that you don't contact emergency 911 lines during this phase, remembering that this is only a test.

According to DPS, all of the six older units will eventually be replaced. Currently the city is planning on replacing two sirens a year. The total renovation should be finished by 2015.

These “outdoor” warning devices have the ability to be heard from thousands of feet away.  However, these are meant to warn persons who are outside and not meant to be an indoor warning system.  For warnings indoors, you can go to www.sikeston.org and sign up for our CodeRed System. DPS says this system provides alerts by cell or regular telephone. After you sign up you should receive notifications and the call will come from telephone number 866-419-5000. In addition, Sikeston DPS encourages every home to have a weather radio, which can be purchased locally.

DPS says this testing should only last a few days and we will notify you when the testing is complete. However, after the initial set up is complete the system will be tested monthly.

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