The network of sirens were introduced in 1997 after a fire in a chemical works in 1996.

They’re maintained by the Severnside Sirens Trust and are operated via radio signal from a control system at Avon and Somerset Police Headquarters in Portishead.

Every few years a booklet about the sirens is distributed to people who live inside the area covered.

I live just on the edge of the area covered by the sirens; my nearest siren is just over a mile away.

The sirens are tested at 3pm on the 3rd of every month (except the time that there was an emergency going on which didn’t warrant use of the sirens, but might have done )

Usually I don’t remember about the test until I hear it, but today I’m finally going to walk to the siren for the test!!

I’ll post more when I get there! 🚶‍♂️📢

Here’s one of the reasons there’s a siren here - this hill is full of fuel!

This is Hallen fuel depot, part of a fascinating national fuel pipeline system

Last time I was here there were fluffy cows! Not today though 😔🐄

This is part of a footpath called the Spanorium Skyway; on other parts there are great views over the Severn Bridges.

From here though, an unmistakable view over Avonmouth

I thought about trying my first live video for this, but I think recording it and editing/uploading afterwards is more sensible!

Earplugs in!

So; the test is two times around of the warning cycle, a 30 second or so gap, then the all-clear noise. My video is 5:26 long, so I can’t post the whole thing over two Tweets unfortunately. I’ll post the beginning and end and miss out 46 seconds in the middle…

Here’s part one: #SevernsideSirens

And part two: #SevernsideSirens

Bye bye little siren, until next month. 👋🏻👋🏻

Here’s a couple of interesting pages from the booklet, which might answer a few questions asked in the replies: (Apologies for the reflections)

Thanks to PK for a link to the online version of the booklet: