DHSEM to Begin Weekly Outdoor Siren Tests in Mora and San Miguel
Emergency alert system to warn residents of severe weather, impacts in Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon burn scar
Santa Fe, NM – Beginning Wednesday, June 12, the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) will conduct weekly tests of the outdoor emergency alert sirens in Mora County. These tests will occur at noon every Wednesday and will last less than a minute.
The increased frequency of testing follows a recent town hall hosted by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and DHSEM, where residents expressed concerns about the reliability of the sirens. These weekly tests will ensure the system’s functionality and allow DHSEM to address any issues before an emergency occurs. These weekly tests will ensure the system’s functionality and to allow DHSEM to address any issues before an emergency occurs.
Emergency sirens have been placed on county property, are maintained by DHSEM, and activated by the local entities. In the event of severe weather, such as flooding, local entities will have the ability to use sirens to give residents a warning and provide them with time to take action to keep themselves safe. If residents hear the sirens outside of the testing window, they should use the following tips:
- Avoid travel if possible.
- Stay inside.
- In the event of flooding, get to higher ground.
- Turn around, don’t drown! Never enter flood waters in a vehicle or on foot.
More information about what to do in the event of severe weather can be found on our website.
