The City of Providence has completed the installation of outdoor sirens in the Port of Providence, Brown's main campus and Johnson & Wales University (JWU) Harborside campus. There are called the Port of Providence Emergency Siren Warning System (PPESWS)  and the Brown University Emergency Siren Warning System (ESWS).  

The system consists of seven strategically placed sirens (2 at the Port, 1 at JWU, 1 in East Providence and 3 at Brown) that will be used to warn the port tenants, nearby communities and the communities at both Universities in the event of a life threatening emergency.

Sirens are tested silently each Tuesday to insure that all systems are operating properly.  An audible test is conducted twice a year during the first week of June and the first week of December.  Audible tests can be heard by residents and businesses in the area of the Port and the Brown Campus.  All audible tests will be preceded by a Press Release days ahead of the event. 

During the audible test, the siren emits a single 15 second alert tone, similar to an emergency vehicle siren. In the event of a disaster, the 15 second alert tone will sound repeatedly for 5 minutes

If you hear the siren at a time other than the tests identified above, take the following action:

• Stop what you are doing.
• Stay calm.
• Listen for possible voice announcements.
• Turn on the radio or television for important information provided by the City.
• Avoid using the telephone. Do not call 9-1-1, unless you have a life-threatening emergency.