New outdoor warning system installed and tested in Heath

HEATH, TX (July 31, 2025) – The city of Heath’s new outdoor warning siren system is now being installed and tested.

The system is comprised of two sirens that are strategically placed throughout the city. The new sirens will be tested during the next two weeks for :45-second “growl” periods.

If you hear the sirens, do not be alarmed. Once operational, the sirens will be tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m. However, sirens will never be tested during periods when severe or inclement weather is possible to avoid confusion between actual events and testing.

IMPORTANT FACTS TO KNOW:

• Outdoor warning sirens are not intended to be heard indoors, although some individuals may be able to hear them indoors, depending on their location and sound related circumstances.
• The purpose of an outdoor warning siren is to alert individuals to take cover and seek updates from other news sources.
• New sirens may be added periodically as needed.
• The sirens are located at the following locations:
  • Siren #1 – 1284 FM740 (Site of the New Station 31)
  • Siren #2 – 700 block of McDonald Road
    (Located in the Estates of Bristol Valley and funded by its developer)
  • Siren #3 – 5200 block of Ridge Road
    (City of Rockwall Owned – Henry M. Chandler Park)
• The City of Heath’s outdoor siren system will be used in conjunction with the Rockwall County Office of Emergency Management (RCOEM) NIXLE alert system, the Heath NIXLE alert system, and social media outlets.
• The City’s siren system will be used for incidents including by not limited to:
  • The National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning for Rockwall County.
  • Tornadic activity has been reported by a reliable source with a storm track towards the City of Heath.
  • Tornadic activity has been reported by a reliable source within the City of Heath.
  • Hail 1” in diameter or larger has been reported by a reliable source.
  • Severe thunderstorm warning with wind speeds of 70 mph or higher has been reported by a reliable source.
  • Impending attack, actual attack, or accidental missile launch against the United States.
  • Other emergencies as directed by public safety officials.
• Due to the siren owned by the City of Rockwall being within close proximity to the City of Heath, there may be instances where the City of Rockwall has activated their siren system and the City of Heath has not, or vice versa.
• Generally, the City of Heath will not use the activation of the system within the City of Rockwall as justification for activation within the City of Heath.
• The Heath Department of Public Safety will make activation decisions based on the conditions present within the City of Heath, independent of the decisions to activate made by neighboring communities.

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 972-771-7724.

Press release submitted by Suzanne Brooke, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photo.

  feature, Heath, office of emergency management, Rockwall County, warning system, weather