Last Thursday, February 26, the Town of Hennessey conducted a full test of its storm siren system, spending about an hour making sure each unit was operating properly.
The sirens were originally installed in April 2024 and could be activated through the Fire Department’s two-way radio system. They were put to the test just weeks later on May 8, 2024, when a tornado tracked along the north edge of Hennessey, causing damage near Highway 51.
About a year ago, the town added a backup activation system that allows sirens to be sounded through a secure cell phone app. During last week’s test, Fire Chief Brandon Scott, several firefighters, and Hennessey Emergency Manager Tiffany Rowen positioned themselves at each siren location to verify that every unit was working correctly. Each authorized user tested both the radio and app activation methods to ensure the system is fully operational.
The test was scheduled for 6 p.m. on a clear day to avoid confusion or panic and to give residents the opportunity to hear what the sirens sound like inside their homes.
Hennessey currently has six new siren locations. On the west side of town, sirens are located at 625 N. Arapaho, at the town shop, at West 2nd Street near Pavilion Park, and in Bull Foot Park. On the east side, sirens are positioned at the playground behind the Early Education School building, on East 2nd Street at the Senior Citizen Center property, and in Ike’s Acres east of Oakwood Drive.
In addition to full-scale tests, the sirens perform silent automatic self-tests daily. The siren at Pavilion Park also sounds a brief noon chime each day. Photos by AAH Jack Quirk
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