Fire & Rescue Department

Outdoor Warning Sirens

The Outdoor Warning Siren System was first discussed in 1996. Many options were investigated and evaluated over time to determine which system would best serve the citizens of Solon. 

The personnel involved in developing the system discussed strengths and weaknesses of various options and finally decided on a system manufactured by Federal Signal Corporation.

After various meetings and discussions, the system was approved for purchase in December 1999.  Initially, there was some delay in constructing the equipment due to a delay in obtaining an FCC license for the system.  This challenge was eventually overcome and construction began in 2000. Installation of siren units began in late 2000 and was completed in early 2001.

After a tornado struck the city on November 10, 2002, it was determined that more sirens were necessary to provide complete coverage. In 2003, six more sirens were purchased and installed.

This state of the art digital system consists of twelve sirens and an independently operated AM radio station. The radio station gives the city the capability to broadcast up to date emergency information to residents and travelers in the greater Solon area. The system was further upgraded in 2002 to include mobile units to activate the sirens as a backup to the main activating unit located in the dispatch center.

What are the sirens used for?

The sirens are part of the city of Solon's all hazard disaster plan. They can be sounded for weather related incidents as well as other man-made situations, such as hazardous materials spills. The decision to sound the sirens is based on information that is available at the time. Sometimes this information is incomplete and changes rapidly.  In the interest of safety, it is the policy of the city to err on the side of caution. The sirens will be sounded in order to give residents as much time as possible to take measures to ensure their safety.

When are the sirens tested?

Sirens will be tested the first Saturday of every month at noon. The test will be a full functional test where the sirens will be sounded for 3 minutes.

What action do I take when I hear the sirens?

The sirens are used to alert people that there is an emergency situation, potentially dangerous condition, or impending threat in the area.

Emergencies could be weather related, large fires with toxic smoke clouds, or a chemical release into the environment. When the sirens sound, you should listen to one of the following:

City of Solon Radio Station 530 AM
City of Solon Government Access Station, Cable Channel 23
Local Television News Stations
(WKYC Ch. 3; WEWS Ch. 5; WJW Ch. 8; WOIO Ch. 19; WUAB Ch. 43)

Can I call 911 for an update when I hear the sirens?

NO! Police Dispatchers will be extremely busy with the emergency causing the sirens to be activated.  Residents can tune into local media outlets to gain up-to-date information.

What is the sound range of the sirens?

The siren sound range is approximately 1 mile.  The sound range will vary based on location and conditions, such as hill terrain, buildings, and outdoor noise levels.

I don't hear the siren when I am inside my house.  Why?

The siren system was designed as a warning device to people that are outside of their homes, away from radio or television which may be broadcasting warnings.  The system was never designed to be a warning device for people inside their homes.  Some people will be able to hear the siren indoors, depending on how close the indoor location is to the nearest siren and depending on the volume of other noise indoors, such as TV, radio, or machinery.

How can I be alerted when I'm sleeping?

To add additional protection while you are inside, Solon Fire Rescue recommends you purchase a weather alert radio. These weather alert radios can be purchased at many retail stores that sell electronic merchandise, including stand-alone electronic retail outlets, electronics departments within department stores, and some drug stores.  Prices vary from $20 - $200 depending on the model and features.

We recommend the purchase of a radio with the SAME feature (Specific Area Message Encoding) which means the receiver is capable of turning itself on from a silent mode when the signal for your area is sent out.  These radios can be programmed for specific areas so you do not receive alerts from areas far away.