Stevens Point tests upgraded storm sirens ahead of system upgrade

Stevens Point Tests Upgraded Storm Sirens in Push to Modernize Emergency Alert System
In a proactive move to bolster community safety and emergency preparedness, the city of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, began testing upgraded storm sirens this week as part of a larger initiative to modernize its outdated emergency alert infrastructure. The testing phase, which began on Monday, is set to continue throughout July and early August as technicians calibrate siren tones, volume ranges, and response times in various neighborhoods across the city. City officials emphasized that the upgraded system is intended not only to replace aging hardware but also to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of storm alerts in an era of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

The upgraded sirens are the first major step in a broader emergency alert system overhaul, which includes new hardware installations, digital integration, and improved coverage areas. According to city emergency management officials, the older sirens some of which were installed over three decades ago were suffering from deteriorating performance due to age, corrosion, and inconsistent signal output. The new sirens are equipped with state of the art speakers, battery backup systems, and directional sound projection, which allows emergency tones to travel further and more clearly, especially in densely populated residential zones.

“This project is about ensuring that every resident hears the warning loud and clear,” said Brian Lepak, Stevens Point’s Emergency Management Coordinator. “We're moving from analog based, standalone sirens to a digitally controlled system that can communicate in real time with our central operations. That means faster activation, more accurate warnings, and ultimately better public safety.” The sirens can now also be synchronized with county wide weather alert systems, and will be managed from a central dashboard that allows for remote operation, diagnostics, and performance tracking.

Testing will continue across multiple locations, including public parks, school zones, and downtown intersections. Residents may hear brief siren activations during weekday afternoons as crews adjust the volume and check signal reach. The city has notified the public via social media, text alerts, and the local news, advising citizens that the sounds are part of a controlled test. No emergency response is required unless a full activation pattern is followed by additional instructions via radio, mobile alerts, or local television broadcasts. So far, feedback from the community has been largely positive, with many welcoming the clarity and range of the new sirens.

The system upgrade is being funded through a combination of federal emergency preparedness grants, state level infrastructure funds, and city budget allocations. The total cost of the siren replacement and system overhaul is estimated at $1.2 million, with a substantial portion going toward the installation of ten new sirens and the retrofitting of existing units. Officials expect the project to be completed by early fall, well ahead of the winter storm season. Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza praised the initiative, stating, “This investment reflects our commitment to proactive public safety. A reliable alert system can save lives, and we’re proud to be taking this step forward.”

This initiative comes at a time when communities across the Midwest are facing increasingly severe and erratic weather events. In recent years, Wisconsin has seen a surge in sudden thunderstorms, flash floods, and tornadic activity. Experts point to climate change as a contributing factor to these unpredictable weather patterns. In response, municipalities are upgrading outdated systems, adopting new communication technologies, and training emergency responders to be more agile. Stevens Point’s comprehensive approach combining technology upgrades with public awareness campaigns could serve as a model for other mid sized cities grappling with similar challenges.

Looking ahead, city officials plan to integrate the siren system with a broader emergency communication platform that includes text and email alerts, mobile app notifications, and GPS based warnings for travelers. Residents are encouraged to sign up for PointAlert, the city’s emergency notification service, to receive real time updates on weather emergencies, road closures, and other critical events. “Our goal is to ensure no one is caught off guard,” said Lepak. “A siren is just one part of a layered strategy. Technology allows us to be faster and more targeted in how we keep people safe.”