Stevens Point tests storm sirens ahead of system upgrade

Stevens Point Conducts Storm Siren Test Ahead of Major Emergency System Overhaul
In mid‑July 2025, the city of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, carried out scheduled tests of its network of storm warning sirens as part of a broader effort to modernize and upgrade emergency alert infrastructure. Over two days, sirens across nearly a dozen neighborhoods were briefly activated not in response to anything amiss, but rather to assess the performance of components slated for replacement or enhancement. The initiative marks the beginning of a multi‑phase project intended to strengthen the city’s capabilities in detecting and alerting residents to severe weather, outdoor threats, or other urgent public safety concerns.

The city has been planning the siren overhaul for nearly a year, prompted by concerns that the aging system may not perform reliably during emergencies. Stevens Point’s sirens, many of which have been in place for more than two decades, rely on dated hardware and centralized control mechanisms. Under the upgrade plan, municipal personnel will replace outdated siren heads, modernize wireless control modules, and establish backup power systems to maintain functionality during severe storms or power outages. The current test runs help identify which devices require maintenance or replacement before the full upgrade begins later this summer.

Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Justin Malin led the testing initiative. He explained that timing and consistency are key. “We’re not just turning these on to hear the sound,” Malin said. “We’re checking signal strength across diverse neighborhoods some more densely built, others more rural to ensure each siren can be heard clearly. We then compare that to control center logs to confirm the software is triggering the alerts correctly.” Malin described the tests as “boots on the ground drills” for detecting weak spots and glitches ahead of any real crisis.

The testing came against the backdrop of an incident this past spring when a siren unexpectedly activated during routine system maintenance. On May 29, several sirens sounded without prior public warning, prompting a flurry of calls to emergency services. Though officials quickly clarified that the activation was unintentional, the confusion sparked public concern and highlighted weaknesses in communication protocols. City leaders acknowledged that residents deserve clear alerts not just during emergencies, but ahead of any test. Following that event, Stevens Point committed to improved advance notice and clearer coordination with stakeholders like schools, hospitals, and businesses.

Community outreach has become a focal point of the upgrade process. Stevens Point’s Office of Emergency Management issued emailed alerts and social media notifications ahead of testing days. Local media, neighborhood associations, and city council newsletters were also tapped to spread the word. Malin emphasized that this is about transparency and trust. “Sirens are a visceral warning tool, and they need to inspire confidence, not panic,” he explained. “If people know that a given siren means something is flashing, not alarming, we build credibility for the whole system.” In addition, the city set up a temporary phone hotline during the tests for residents to report if they heard nothing or experienced near misses information the team is using to fine tune the network.

Wisconsin’s geography and weather patterns underscore the urgency of this upgrade. Stevens Point lies in a region that regularly faces thunderstorms, hail, and the occasional tornado watch. Outdoor workers, schoolchildren, and senior citizens are particularly vulnerable if a severe weather warning goes unheeded. Although newer technologies such as smartphone alert apps and NOAA Weather Radio are widely used, outdoor sirens remain a critical fallback, especially for those without access to digital alerts. For many residents, a sudden, loud siren piercing the afternoon calm is still the clearest signal to seek shelter.

Local businesses and institutions have taken note. Stevens Point Area Public School District collaborated to reinforce shelter in place protocols, while Central Wisconsin Hospital reviewed internal procedures for staff and patients during siren alerts. Nearby industries also plan to coordinate louder siren tests with shifts to ensure employee safety. Small business owner Megan Larson, who runs a downtown café, said she appreciates the city’s cautious approach “The test sirens help us practice our drills in real time without causing panic. As long as everyone knows what to expect, these upgrades are a real step forward.”

Looking ahead, the city plans to conduct quarterly system tests once the modernization is complete. Each test will be publicized a week in advance, and city staff intend to partner with schools and senior centers to organize shelter drills and preparedness sessions. The goal is not only to ensure the new equipment works, but to incorporate it into a broader culture of resilience one where residents know how to respond, and emergency systems are robust enough to function even during power outages or network disruptions. Down the line, Stevens Point hopes to explore integrating the siren network with mobile app notifications, enabling layered alerting for comprehensive coverage.

Conclusion
Stevens Point’s storm siren testing represents more than technological upkeep it embodies a profound commitment to public safety, civic accountability, and clear communication. By combining hardware upgrades with community outreach and system resilience planning, the city is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more trusted alert system. In an era of extreme weather and digital dependency, stepping up outdoor warning capabilities remains not just relevant, but essential. As the city moves ahead with planned upgrades this summer, residents will soon have more reason to feel safer and better prepared when sirens sound.