COLUMBIA — The City of Columbia has completed installation and testing of a new citywide public safety siren system, marking one of the most significant investments in resident emergency preparedness in recent memory. The system's 12 sirens were successfully tested on Monday, May 11, 2026, according to a city announcement posted May 12.
The project was funded through a $420,000 Community Development Block Grant Imminent Threat Program and completed in partnership with the South Central Tennessee Development District. Mayor Chaz Molder said the investment reflects the city's ongoing commitment to protecting residents. City Manager Tony Massey echoed that view, noting the system modernizes Columbia's ability to deliver timely warnings during emergencies.
The network includes three electric sirens with both audible tones and voice capabilities, and nine mechanical sirens designed for strong, far-reaching signals — together creating a layered outdoor alerting system. Sirens have been installed at fire stations, parks, utility facilities, and elevated locations across the city, including Fire Stations 3, 4, and 5, Fairview Park, Ridley Park, Reservoir Hill, and the East and West pump stations. The sirens activate only when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for a specific area of the city.
City officials are reminding residents that outdoor sirens are designed for people who are outside — and may not always be heard indoors during severe weather. Residents are strongly encouraged to supplement the siren system with weather radios, mobile alerts, and local media. The city also offers a free emergency notification service called Hyper-Reach, which integrates with the National Weather Service and the federal IPAWS alert system. Residents can sign up by calling or texting "Alert" to 931-286-7771, or registering online. Future siren test dates will be announced in advance at ColumbiaTN.gov and on city social media channels.