COLUMBIA — The City of Columbia has completed installation and testing of a new citywide public safety siren system, a project funded through a $420,000 Community Development Block Grant Imminent Threat Program and completed in partnership with the South Central Tennessee Development District. The 12 sirens were successfully tested on Monday, May 11, 2026, and are now operational.
The system includes three electric sirens capable of both audible tones and voice announcements, as well as nine mechanical sirens designed to project warning signals across wide areas. Siren locations were selected to maximize coverage: they have been installed at fire stations on Firefighter Drive, Trotwood Avenue, and Nashville Highway, as well as at Fairview Park, Ridley Park, Reservoir Hill, and several utility facilities around the city. The sirens are activated only when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for specific areas of Columbia — meaning a tornado has been spotted or confirmed by radar.
Mayor Chaz Molder said the project reflects the city's ongoing commitment to resident safety, noting that investing in public safety remains one of the city's highest priorities. City Manager Tony Massey echoed that sentiment, describing the new system as an enhancement to the city's ability to deliver timely warnings during emergencies. Both officials emphasized that outdoor sirens are designed for people who are outside and may not always be heard indoors, particularly during storms when environmental conditions affect how sound travels.
Residents are strongly encouraged to supplement siren alerts with multiple warning tools. The City of Columbia also offers a free emergency notification service called Hyper-Reach, which delivers alerts directly to mobile phones and landlines. Columbia residents can enroll by calling or texting the word "Alert" to 931-286-7771, or by registering online. Future siren tests will be announced in advance through the city's website at ColumbiaTN.gov and official social media channels.