In 2023, Berkeley Fire Department introduced a new citywide outdoor warning system that uses sirens to alert people outdoors to life-threatening emergencies.

The City of Berkeley’s Outdoor Warning System (OWS) is a network of emergency sirens designed to alert people outdoors to a life-threatening emergency like a wildfire or tsunami. 

Specific emergency announcements can be broadcast over one or more sirens which are located on top of buildings throughout Berkeley.

In an emergency that requires people in Berkeley to take immediate action, you may hear a siren and voice announcement from the City of Berkeley’s Outdoor Warning System.

The City of Berkeley routinely conducts "quiet testing" of its outdoor warning system that is not audible to the public. The City also schedules public tests of the Outdoor Warning System and publicizes those tests through AC Alert, social media, and Community Messages.

Listen now

Get familiar with alerts you could hear from Berkeley’s outdoor warning system:

Check out our library of siren messages to get familiar with the alerts you might hear from Berkeley’s Outdoor Warning System.

When you hear a siren wail

If you hear a siren wail, it means that people need to evacuate or take other immediate steps to protect themselves. When you hear a siren wail:

  • Stop what you are doing and listen for possible voice announcements

  • Follow the instructions provided through the voice announcement

  • Check your phone for messages from AC Alert, Nixle, or a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) and follow the instructions 

  • Check Berkeley’s Emergency Map for information about possible evacuation or shelter in place orders

  • Do not call 9-1-1 for more information, unless you require immediate assistance from emergency responders.

Siren Locations

The Outdoor Warning System will include a total of 15 emergency sirens at locations across Berkeley. As of September 2023, 10 locations are operational and will be activated during the September 17 siren test. See the Siren System’s Capital Projects Page to learn more about siren locations and infrastructure.

Emergency Notifications

Sign up now for emergency alerts and learn where to find reliable information in an emergency.

In an emergency, officials may use different tools to share information and instructions. Get familiar with these tools now, and sign up if needed, to be ready to get alerts in an emergency. To ensure that you have access to information from multiple sources in an emergency, review the available systems below.

Visit the Emergency Notifications Page to learn more about emergency alerting systems that officials will use along with Berkeley’s outdoor warning system siren network.