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Outdoor Warning Siren System
Canton has 16 outdoor warning sirens throughout the community to alert those who are outdoors and may be away from other technology and media sources. The sirens are activated for any one of the following reasons:
- A public safety event that warrants an immediate notification to the outdoor public, such as an industrial accident, nuclear plant disaster or an act of terrorism or warfare
- Severe winds of 70 miles per hour or more
- Tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service
In the event the sirens are activated residents should seek shelter immediately, and tune into WJR am radio 760, or local television networks such as Fox, WDIV, or WXYZ for news and official information. Public Safety Officials ask that residents use a media source for information, leaving the 911 and dispatch lines open for emergency calls.
It is further recommended that residents purchase a battery-operated all hazards NOAA weather radio with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) to alert them of severe weather and other hazardous incidents when indoors and/or in the event of a power outage. For more information on All-Hazard Emergency Messages on NOAA Weather radios visit the National Weather Service.
Monthly Siren Testing
Canton's outdoor warning siren system is tested on the first Saturday of the month at 1 p.m., with a three-minute steady tone. (Sirens are not tested during the months of December, January or February.)