Warning Sirens & Sheltering in Place

Warning sirens are a vital part of the safety protocol in our region. Not only does the City of Pasadena utilize warning sirens, neighboring municipalities and local industry partners use similar warning systems. Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, Morgan’s Point and Shore Acres simultaneously test city alarms each Saturday at 12PM (Noon).

• What Sirens Are For: The sirens are used to alert those who are outside during emergencies such as chemical releases/spills or severe weather such as tornado warnings, to seek shelter immediately

• Types of Emergencies Covered: Shelter-in-place situations such as chemical hazards or severe weather warnings.

Watch the video above to listen to the Pasadena Emergency Siren Sound

Sound and Meaning: The sirens generate only one sound, and have only one meaning which instructs a need to go indoors and seek shelter immediately.

Voice Messaging: Sirens owned and operated by the City of Pasadena DO NOT provide any voice instruction over a loud speaker. Additional information about a siren activation will be issued via the ReadyPasadena alert system as well as official social media posts and news outlets.

When Will City of Pasadena Sirens Sound?

During a major hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incident where Shelter-in-Place is necessary.
During weather emergencies when Shelter-in-Place is necessary, such as a tornado event.
City of Pasadena Sirens are TESTED every Saturday at 12 NOON. No Shelter-in-Place is necessary during testing.
When Will City of Pasadena Sirens Sound?
- During a major hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incident where Shelter-in-Place is necessary.
- During weather emergencies when Shelter-in-Place is necessary, such as a tornado event.
- City of Pasadena Sirens are TESTED every Saturday at 12 NOON. No Shelter-in-Place is necessary during testing.

**Be advised, local refineries and plants have their own alert sirens and testing schedules as well. This link provides additional local alarm testing schedules from industry partners and refineries. These are individually maintained by each company and not affiliated with City of Pasadena sirens.

What do I do during a chemical release or other hazardous materials incident?

In the event of a chemical release or other hazardous materials incident where public health could be affected, emergency dispatchers sound the 30 sirens that are located throughout Pasadena. Individuals who are outside are instructed to seek shelter indoors immediately. If you are driving in your car, turn off the vehicle AC/Heat and continue to travel outside of the Shelter-in-Place zone. If you are unable to leave the area, seek shelter at the nearest indoor facility.

Are the sirens used for weather emergencies?

Yes. City sirens will sound in the event of life-threatening weather in our immediate area, such as a tornado. The National Weather Service recommends seeking shelter on the ground floor of a secure structure, away from windows or doors.

When are City of Pasadena Sirens Tested?

All City of Pasadena emergency sirens will sound for testing each Saturday at 12 p.m. (Noon). The local municipalities of Deer Park and La Porte test their sirens at the same time as well.

FAQ ABOUT SHELTER-IN-PLACE

Sheltering at Home

When a shelter in place is issued, immediately go inside your home and remain there until an all-clear is issued. If possible, choose a small, interior room, with no or few windows in which to wait. Close all doors and windows and, to create a tighter seal, lock them as well. If a chemical release is involved, turn off any central air-conditioning or heating. Tune in to local media and/or city social media for updates.

If you must seek shelter inside your vehicle during a HAZMAT emergency, turn off the engine as well as the HVAC system, and keep all windows rolled up. For weather related events, follow National Weather Service protocol during weather emergencies.

Sheltering at Work or a Business Location

Anyone at work or at a business location should follow similar steps. Businesses should close their doors and turn off the air-conditioning or heating. Avoid selecting a room with mechanical equipment, like ventilation blowers or pipes, because this equipment may not be able to be sealed from the outdoors. If you are a customer, client or visitor in the building when a shelter in place is issued, you should stay there until the all-clear is issued, in order to avoid driving or walking outdoors.

School Procedures

Please do not attempt to pick up your child from school during a Shelter-in-Place. School administrators have procedures to secure campuses during a Shelter-in-Place. Exposing students or parents during a Shelter-in-Place could put someone in danger.

What if I Suspect a Siren is Not Working?

To report a problem with a siren, request additional information, guidance, or to answer any additional questions, please reach out to the City of Pasadena – Office of Emergency Management at 713.475.5588 or oem@pasadenatx.gov

Getting Updates About an Emergency Incident

Do not call 911 unless there is an emergency at your location, and do not go outdoors until an all-clear has been issued. A Pasadena “all-clear” will NOT be another siren.

Once a Shelter-in-Place is lifted, an all-clear will be issued via the ReadyPasadena Alert System, traditional media and on our social media: Facebook, Instagram and X (@pasadenatxgov).

Accessibility and Limitations

Outdoor Use Only: Sirens are designed for outdoor warning, and those who are indoors should rely on official ReadyPasadena text/email alerts as well as NOAA weather radios or other alert systems.

Coverage: The entire city limits of Pasadena are covered by the 30 outdoor sirens. Additional information on the location of these sirens can be found on the map above.