What was that sound? Denver Emergency Management tests outdoor sirens

DENVER ( KDVR ) — On Wednesday at 11 a.m., you might’ve heard sirens throughout Denver — but it was nothing to be alarmed about.

The Denver Office of Emergency Management conducted its annual test of the all-hazard outdoor sirens. While the alarms on Wednesday were just tests, usually, the sound means to seek shelter and to seek more information, according to emergency management.

The test sound on Wednesday went off continuously for three minutes at 11 a.m. while the office evaluated the new remote activation technology.

There are 86 sirens across the city with 75 in Denver and 11 at the Denver International Airport. Although, if you’re inside, you might’ve not heard it.

The sound is mainly meant to reach people who are outside.

These sirens started as tornado warnings, but are now meant for any outdoor hazard, which includes severe weather, hazmat release, terrorism, mass violence and fires.

If you ever hear this sound outside of a previously announced testing day, the office says to seek shelter and then keep up with local media or the office’s social media, specifically the X account @ DenverOEM , for more information.

You should be looking for more information on whether to keep sheltering, evacuate or avoid certain areas. It’s also important to keep up to date because there is no “all clear” alarm, meaning it’s your responsibility to be informed on what to do next.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.