City of Lawton to Test Sirens Again Tomorrow

Every Monday at Noon in Downtown Lawton, we hear the sound of safety.  The testing of the storm sirens means that should the unthinkable happen again in Lawton/Fort Sill that residents will have time to make it to safety.

We were in the middle of a cookout on Labor Day Monday and had to explain to new Lawton residents what the sirens were for.  Living in Tornado Alley for over 40 years now, those sirens sounding off become almost a second nature to us, almost to the point where they are ignored.  But sound one on a Saturday evening, and everyone pays attention!

That's why the City of Lawton was careful to let us know that they would be testing sirens at several locations around Lawton.

"To ensure adequate functioning and/or carry out needed repairs, storm sirens at the following locations may be intermittently tested during traditional business hours on 9/10/21 by the City of Lawton Electronics Division:

• 200 Mission Blvd
• Courthouse
• 66th and Ferris
• 67th and Delta Circle
• 2006 SE Flowermound

Note: This is only a test."

The city has experienced 163 tornadoes since 1950. Lawton is at moderate risk for tornado activity, with an average of 3 tornadoes per year, typically resulting in no fatalities. According to the Comanche County Emergency Management, that's a direct result of the use of storm sirens, which can be activated in a matter of seconds should the need arise.  Testing and maintenance of these sirens just makes us even safer.

I'll never forget the afternoon in 1979, when getting off work 'a little early' to avoid the storm, put us in the direct path of the storm.  Thankfully, the F3 tornado that killed 3 and injured hundreds, was announced in enough time for us to move to safety.  Hats off City of Lawton!  Test away!