Boulder County's New Monthly Siren Tests Begin Tomorrow | The Locally Times
Starting tomorrow, April 6, eight Boulder County communities will hear new monthly siren tests, marking a year-round shift to boost emergency readiness and public awareness.
Tomorrow, eight Boulder County communities will hear a new sound: the monthly test of the county's outdoor warning sirens. This marks shift to a year-round schedule, aiming to ensure system readiness and keep residents alert to emergency protocols. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office announced this new year-round monthly testing schedule on April 3, 2026. This kicks off a year-round schedule: audible tests will now sound on the first Monday of every month at 10 am. This consistent approach, as detailed in City of Lafayette records, aims to bolster system reliability and community awareness of emergency warning capabilities. During each test, residents in eight specific communities—Eldorado Springs, Marshall, Lyons, Jamestown, Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, and Erie—will first hear a distinct voice message announcing the test, followed by a 1-minute siren. This new year-round schedule replaces a previous, often seasonal, testing approach. ## Beyond the Blast: Daily Silent Checks and System Gaps Beyond the monthly audible alerts, the siren system also undergoes daily silent testing at 8 am, a practice confirmed by City of Lafayette public records. These silent checks ensure the system's underlying functionality without sounding the sirens. ## Stay Alert: How Residents Can Prepare To stay informed during actual emergencies, both the Boulder County Sheriff's Office and the City of Lafayette urge residents to sign up for alerts at BoCoAlert.com. Updates on the siren system, including weather-related test cancellations, can be found at BoulderOEM.com. The City of Lafayette also offers comprehensive emergency preparedness resources at lafayetteco.gov/BePrepared. However, available documents do not specify alternative alert mechanisms for residents in areas that only receive silent siren tests. This new monthly testing protocol serves as a key, regular reminder for all residents: review personal and family emergency plans and register for direct alert notifications for specific information during an actual event. ## Your Questions Answered **When will the audible tests occur?** Audible tests will occur year-round on the first Monday of each month at 10 am, beginning April 6, 2026. **Which communities will hear the audible siren?** Residents in Eldorado Springs, Marshall, Lyons, Jamestown, Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, and Erie will hear the audible siren test. **How can residents receive emergency alerts?** Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at BoCoAlert.com and find updates at BoulderOEM.com.