<p>COLUMBIA — The City of Columbia has completed installation and testing of a new citywide public safety siren system, delivering a significant upgrade to how residents will be warned during tornadoes and other emergencies. The system was successfully tested on Monday, May 11, 2026, according to a city announcement posted May 12.</p><p>The project was funded through a $420,000 Community Development Block Grant Imminent Threat Program and completed in partnership with the South Central Tennessee Development District. Twelve sirens are now strategically placed across Columbia — three electric units capable of both audible tones and voice messaging, and nine mechanical sirens engineered for wide-range, powerful warning signals.</p><p>Mayor Chaz Molder said the project reflects the city's ongoing commitment to its residents. He noted that investing in public safety remains one of the city's highest priorities and that the new system strengthens the city's ability to quickly alert residents when it matters most. City Manager Tony Massey echoed that the investment builds on Columbia's strong foundation of public safety preparedness.</p><p>Residents should know the sirens will only be activated when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning — meaning a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar — and only for the specific areas of Columbia where a threat has been identified. The system is not designed for general weather watches or advisories.</p><p>For Columbia households without a weather radio or reliable cell signal, these sirens may be the critical first warning. City officials encourage all residents to familiarize themselves with the system and to have a storm plan ready as Maury County enters peak severe weather season.</p>