Ryan Warner: Denver’s emergency alert system is getting a make-over. The sirens, which are scattered across the city, have been a regular presence for more than 25 years. The sound’s purpose is to alert residents to danger, primarily tornado warnings. Matthew Mueller is with the office of emergency management.
Matthew Mueller: Some look like a big bull horn, or bugle horn. Others are a rotating circular head. And some of them are on top of a pole, and the older ones are mostly mounted on top of schools.
Reporter: Around 50 in all. Now, tornado warnings occur just a handful of times a year, yet people heard the sirens far more often than that. The reason? They were tested every month on the second Wednesday, at 11am. That monthly test is going away, as the city begins to update its system.
Mueller: So the benefit of the new system is that we can actually run silent test. So what that means is instead of actually ramping up and having the loud wail tone that everyone hears, it can run the parts, and unless you’re right there underneath the siren, you’re not going to hear it. But it does all the things that the test would do.
Reporter: The new system will also add more sirens. Now the alert will now reach new neighborhoods such as Stapleton, Lowry, and Green Valley Ranch. Workers expect to phase out the regular monthly tests and have all the new sirens up and running by the end of year. And for those nostalgic for the monthly tests - a small offering. The new sirens will be tested aloud, once a year, probably in April.
People from across the country are looking for ways to help families of the 10 people killed at a King Soopers in Boulder on March 22.
We've compiled a list of area groups that are collecting contributions in the aftermath of the shooting.
In July, we published this statement in recognition of the work we needed to begin at CPR to confront issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in our newsroom and organization as a whole.
We know this work is urgent, and we are dedicated to doing it thoroughly and connecting it with our vision and mission to reach all and serve everyone in Colorado.
Here is an update on our progress over the last eight months.
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