The Town of Dolores Outdoor Warning Siren System was ready for testing in February 2024 and is intended to provide residents with an audible warning during emergencies or situations involving imminent danger.
The sirens are primarily used for fire or flood emergencies but may be activated for any situation where the public needs to seek shelter quickly.
The sirens are tested on the second Wednesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. (noon).
When the Sirens Sound
When you hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens, you should seek shelter immediately and then seek additional information.
Once inside a secure location, residents should monitor local information sources, including the Town of Dolores website, the Town’s Facebook page, and mobile devices.
Information will also be distributed through Montezuma County’s Emergency Alert System (Everbridge). All residents are encouraged to sign up to receive emergency alerts.
There is no “All Clear” signal associated with the Outdoor Warning Siren System.
Siren Activation During an Emergency
During an actual emergency, the sirens will sound in 3–45 second intervals with varying volume and pitch.
The sirens may sound repeatedly or continuously for the duration of the emergency.
Testing Schedule and Procedures
The Outdoor Warning Sirens are tested on the second Wednesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. (noon).
Monthly tests are brief and will sound for approximately 30 seconds or three cycles.
Residents should not call Town Hall or emergency services during scheduled tests.
Siren testing will not occur if weather conditions indicate the possibility of emergent weather warnings.
If a test is canceled, a public notice will be posted on the Town of Dolores website and Facebook page.
Canceled tests will not be rescheduled in order to prevent public confusion.
Staff Roles – Emergency Response
An emergency is identified, and the decision to activate the Outdoor Warning Siren System is made by the Sheriff, Fire Chief, Emergency Manager, or the Town Manager of Dolores.
The Montezuma County Emergency Alert System will issue alerts authorized by the Sheriff, Emergency Manager, or Town Manager, and Dispatch will initiate the siren.
The Town Manager is notified by the Sheriff or Emergency Manager.
The Town Manager will contact Town of Dolores staff to activate notification and communication measures.
The Town will update the Town’s website.
The Town will post information to the Town’s Facebook page.
The Fire Chief or Sheriff will be available for manual activation of the siren if remote or phone initiation fails.
Maintenance staff will remain on call to assist as needed during the emergency.
