The Westfield Fire Department has installed two new outdoor warning sirens to improve severe weather notification across the city. These sirens now provide coverage to areas in the southwest and northernmost parts of Westfield.
A third siren, set to serve the city’s northeastern corner, is expected to be operational by the end of August.
Gaylor
“Safety is always our top priority,” Westfield Fire Chief Rob Gaylor said. “By widening the zone of our outdoor warning sirens, we’re increasing the chances of people hearing them and seeking shelter before inclement weather hits. In the end, it increases safety and may reduce the number of calls we respond to after a weather event. It’s a win-win.”
The newly installed sirens are already active and included in the county’s weekly emergency siren test, held at 11 a.m. each Friday. Once the third siren is activated by Duke Energy, it will be added to the weekly testing. Each siren has an approximate coverage radius of one mile.
Residents are reminded that these sirens are designed to alert people who are outdoors. Those indoors may not hear them, depending on their proximity to the sirens. The Westfield Fire Department strongly encourages all residents to have a working weather radio or a trusted weather app installed on their smartphones, and to ensure those devices are fully charged ahead of potential weather events.
Additional siren locations are currently being evaluated. Washington Township is also exploring the installation of three outdoor warning sirens in unincorporated areas.