Stevens Point, Wisconsin, tests upgraded storm sirens as part of emergency system maintenance

Stevens Point Tests Upgraded Storm Sirens in Citywide Emergency Preparedness Effort
As part of an ongoing commitment to public safety, the city of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, recently conducted a series of tests on its newly upgraded storm warning sirens, signaling a proactive step in modernizing its emergency preparedness infrastructure. The brief but audible siren bursts were carried out on July 11, 2025, in several neighborhoods across the city. While there was no actual weather emergency, the tests marked a significant maintenance milestone meant to evaluate the performance and reliability of siren systems, especially as severe weather events become increasingly frequent in the Midwest.

The upgrades completed earlier this summer focused on both hardware improvements and software control enhancements to ensure faster, clearer, and more consistent siren activations during actual emergencies. The maintenance checks were designed not only to confirm operational readiness but also to identify any weaknesses in signal reception, speaker coverage, and power systems. City officials emphasized that the sirens are part of a multi layered approach to community safety, complementing mobile alerts, NOAA weather radio broadcasts, and emergency text notifications.

Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Justin Malin provided insight into the process, explaining that the sirens are tested manually and remotely under various scenarios to simulate real time weather threats. According to Malin, “We’re not just sounding alarms we’re analyzing the signal strength, response time, and backup battery performance. If we detect even a slight lag or failure in one siren, that’s enough for us to take corrective action.” He added that the recent tests were “encouraging,” with most systems responding exactly as designed.

The city’s renewed focus on emergency communications follows an incident in late June, when storm sirens unexpectedly sounded due to a misconfigured test. That unplanned activation caused brief panic among residents, some of whom believed a tornado or severe storm was imminent. Although the Fire Department quickly issued a public clarification, the event prompted city leaders to reassess communication protocols and improve transparency around future drills. Ahead of the July testing, the city took care to notify residents through local media, social platforms, and municipal alert systems.

The importance of outdoor warning sirens in a place like Stevens Point cannot be overstated. Located in central Wisconsin, the city is no stranger to volatile summer storms, including high winds, hail, and the occasional tornado watch. While smartphone alerts and media coverage provide valuable information, outdoor sirens remain vital for reaching people who are outdoors or in areas where cell reception may be weak. They also serve as a legacy system familiar, trusted, and immediately understood, even by children or elderly individuals who may not use digital devices.

Residents had mixed reactions to the recent tests, with most acknowledging the necessity of regular system evaluations. Local shop owner Carla Jensen, who has lived in Stevens Point for over 20 years, praised the city’s effort, saying, “I’d rather be temporarily startled by a siren test than caught off guard in a real emergency. It shows the city is staying on top of things.” However, others urged officials to provide even more advance warning, especially for people with anxiety or pets sensitive to loud noises. In response, city officials said they are exploring options to add customizable text alerts for such announcements in the future.

Looking ahead, the Stevens Point Emergency Management team plans to conduct routine quarterly tests, aligning with national best practices for outdoor warning systems. These tests will continue to be announced in advance and accompanied by public outreach campaigns, including educational materials on how residents should respond to various types of alerts. The city also hopes to partner with local schools, hospitals, and care facilities to develop training drills and workshops on severe weather readiness. As part of the broader emergency strategy, discussions are underway to integrate real time weather data feeds into the city’s central command dashboard, enhancing decision making during crisis events.

Conclusion
Stevens Point’s testing of its upgraded storm sirens reflects a growing recognition that emergency preparedness requires vigilance, adaptation, and public trust. In an era where climate unpredictability is the new norm, investing in resilient infrastructure and clear communication channels is more than a municipal responsibility it’s a moral imperative. By acknowledging past missteps, modernizing alert systems, and keeping residents informed every step of the way, Stevens Point is demonstrating that even small cities can lead by example when it comes to keeping their communities safe.