The Anna Outdoor Warning Siren system is used to notify residents of danger within our community. Currently we have 4 sirens installed, (one at the Fire Station, one on E White St. just past the railroad tracks, one at Loves Truck Stop and one at Meadow View), which cover our city.

Warning sirens are used in Anna to notify persons about high wind (excess of 65 mph), hail of an inch diameter or larger, and tornado warnings issued for the immediate area that would require the public to take cover to ensure their safety.

What people need to know if they hear a siren:

Each siren makes the sound of one long wail which is distinctly different from the short, repetitive wails of fire engine truck sirens or police car sirens.

If you are OUTSIDE when you hear the siren, take refuge immediately inside of a sturdy building. Once inside, monitor emergency radio advisories by listening to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) via weather radios (strongly recommended), commercial radio or television newscasts for weather alerts and warnings.

The city of Anna conducts monthly tests of our Outdoor Warning Sirens. On the first Wednesday of each month, the outdoor warning sirens are briefly activated at 12:00 noon. This program is designed to maintain a reliable warning system. In the event of bad weather on that day, the test will be cancelled to avoid confusion.

Traditionally, people have relied on outdoor warning sirens to alert them of an emergency in the area. These systems are designed to alert those at greatest risk, (persons outside) to take cover. The sirens are NOT designed to alert those indoors. If you live close to a siren, you may hear it in your home. But you need to be aware of changing weather conditions and forecasts.

We live in an area that is prone to severe weather. Tornados can occur at any time of the year, but are more prevalent in the spring. And with the approach of spring, now is a good time to make sure you have a plan for severe weather that may impact our area.

A NOAA Weather Alert Radio/Monitor with battery backup is an excellent investment in your family's safety. These radios, with SAME technology, can be programmed to alert you when Tornado, Thunderstorm or high wind warnings are issued by the National Weather Service for Anna and the surrounding area. These radios are readily available at most Radio Shack, Home Depot and Lowe's stores or through many online vendors.

For more information on severe weather precautions, visit the NOAA web site at                                            www.nws.noaa.gov/os/severeweather/

The city also encourages you to sign up for Code Red. Code Red weather warnings will notify your phone of choice in the event of severe weather. Click this link to sign up.

City Council: February 14, 2012 6:30pm workshop session 7:30pm regular meeting at 111 N. Powell Parkway.

City Offices Closed:  February 20, 2012 closed for President's Day.

Greater Anna Chamber Annual Banquet:  February 25, 2012 at 6:30pm Grayson County College Van Alstyne Campus.

Parks Board: To be announced.

City Council: February 28, 2012 6:30pm workshop session 7:30pm regular meeting at 111 N. Powell Parkway.