Public Notice: SBPD Testing New Evacuation Siren Tone Today

On November 11, 2021, between the hours of 10:00am and 11:00am (today), the Santa Barbara Police Department will be testing a new emergency evacuation siren that is currently being outfitted on marked police vehicles. This siren may be heard in the area of Loma Alta Drive and the lower west side.

The sound of this new siren tone is unique and is similar to a police siren heard in Europe.

With new legislation passed this year, this siren tone has started being implemented and installed on police vehicle vehicles throughout the state to notify neighborhoods of evacuation during an emergency or natural disaster.

Do not be alarmed. This is only a test and there is no need to evacuate.

A full press release and public service announcement will be disseminated to the media and the public explaining more about this evacuation siren tone in the near future.

Questions can be directed to the Santa Barbara Police Department Public Information Officer 805-897-2432.