City of Flatwoods

Outdoor Warning System

Sirens are sometimes used as part of an integrated warning system that links sirens with other warning media, such as the radio and TV Emergency Alert System, NOAA Weather Radio, telephone alerting systems, Cable Override and wireless alerting systems in the United States.

An industrial outdoor warning siren featuring four horizontally aligned acoustic projector horns mounted to a rectangular backplate. The horns are made of metal or fiberglass and converge at the rear where they are connected to a control box and motorized mechanism. The front of the siren has a large rectangular opening with a protective metal mesh grille. The design indicates it is intended for long-range sound projection, such as for tornado warnings or other emergency alerts.

This integrated approach enhances the credibility of warnings and reduces the risk of them being dismissed as false alarms by corroborating the warning messages through multiple media outlets.

What you need to know:

Siren will be tested the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. (Unless severe weather is forecast for our area)
Test will last around (1) one minute.
In an emergency - siren will sound for (3) Three Minutes.
In an emergency - the siren will repeat several times.
In an emergency - take shelter immediately
In an emergency - tune to TV - Radio - Weather Radio to find out further instructions.
Have a plan for your family - Don't wait until it's too late.

Do you know the difference between a Watch & Warning?

A color-coded chart explaining the meanings of weather alerts: Red section labeled 'WARNING' – Indicates a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely. It means there is a threat to life or property and people in the affected area should take protective action. Orange section labeled 'WATCH' – Indicates conditions are favorable for a hazardous weather or hydrologic event, but the exact timing or occurrence is uncertain. People should prepare and stay alert, especially when planning travel or outdoor activities. Yellow section labeled 'ADVISORY' – Indicates a hazardous event is occurring, imminent, or likely but is less severe than a warning. It may still cause inconvenience or danger if precautions are not taken. Green section labeled 'OUTLOOK' – Indicates a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is possible in the next week. It is meant to raise awareness of potential significant weather that could lead to threats.

The City of Flatwoods, through the work of Engineer Nick Dickens of the Flatwoods Fire Department, has received grants for three sirens from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security.

The first siren was installed by Tranqulian Pool, the second siren is installed on Deschum Street by the City Garage, and the third siren is installed by the Nazarene Church at the intersection of Bellefonte Road and Caroline Road just down from Mark Street. Thanks to 911 Director Buford Hurley II and the Greenup County E-911 Center for installing the sirens & activating them when needed.

All three sirens are installed and operational. More testing will be done to determine if more sirens are needed to properly cover all of Flatwoods.

Solar-powered equipment mounted on a wooden utility pole under a partly cloudy sky. The setup includes a tilted solar panel, a metal enclosure, and visible wiring, likely used for powering remote communication or monitoring devices.

Upward view of a tall utility pole equipped with a solar panel, a metal enclosure box, and a small weather or communication device mounted at the top. A worker in a bucket lift is servicing the equipment. Several power lines run horizontally across the background under an overcast sky.

Solar-powered equipment mounted on a wooden utility pole at sunset. The setup includes a tilted metal frame for a solar panel and a metal control box labeled “Whelen.” Power cables run from the box along the pole. A white vehicle and grassy area are visible below, with silhouettes of trees and buildings in the background.