When sirens go off in North Texas, most people think "tornado." But outdoor warning systems aren’t just for twisters, and in The Colony, they're getting smarter, faster and louder.
The city recently upgraded its emergency alert network by installing five new outdoor warning sirens, one brand-new unit and four replacements. The goal? Stronger coverage, quicker activation and better communication during dangerous weather events.
Smarter Alerts, Wider Reach
The latest siren now stands tall at The Colony’s Athletic Club near Memorial Drive and Page Road, formerly the Five Star Complex. It expands coverage in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas.
New siren models cover a broader radius than older versions, which means fewer units can reach more people. According to city officials, the system now features automatic activation based on real-time data from the National Weather Service. That means no waiting. If the NWS issues a tornado warning or a severe thunderstorm warning labeled “considerable” or “destructive,” the sirens will sound immediately.
Expect brief testing sounds as crews fine-tune the installations.
A Needed Upgrade
Four of the five sirens replaced aging models that had served the city for more than 20 years. The update is part of The Colony’s long-term safety strategy and reflects a growing investment in emergency infrastructure.
Two of the new units were funded by The Colony Economic Development Corporation and will serve key retail and entertainment zones, areas where outdoor crowds are common and warnings are crucial.
What Sirens Really Mean
Outdoor sirens are designed to alert people outside — not indoors — and signal them to seek shelter and check weather updates. They’re activated for more than just tornadoes. Criteria include:
- Tornado warnings
- Wind speeds over 70 mph
- Hail at least 1.25 to 1.5 inches wide
- Other major hazards like chemical spills or confirmed tornado sightings
In June 2025, for example, wind gusts topping 65 mph swept across North Texas. Cities including The Colony, Allen, Frisco and McKinney activated sirens to warn residents, a reminder that these systems play a key role in regional storm safety.
Monthly tests are conducted on the first Wednesday of every month at noon, weather permitting.
Stay Ready
Sirens are just one piece of the emergency puzzle, and they work best when paired with personal preparedness.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through multiple channels during storms, including weather radios, mobile alerts and city-issued notifications. Outdoor sirens are intended to alert those who are outside and may not hear phone alerts or TV broadcasts.
For more about The Colony’s emergency plans and outdoor siren system, visit the city’s Emergency Management webpage. To learn about local development and EDC-supported projects, visit The Colony EDC website.
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