Culver City Launches Hi-Lo Siren for Emergency Use
The new system will have a unique pitch and cadence easily distinguishable from normal public safety vehicle sirens.
Culver City public safety leaders proudly announce the implementation of the Hi-Lo Audible Warning System (Hi-Lo) last Friday. This audible warning system — which has been installed on all Culver City patrol vehicles used by the Culver City Police Department (CCPD) and Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) — will be used alongside traditional sirens on public safety vehicles, clearly indicating their presence in emergency evacuation areas.
The Hi-Lo is designed to cut through the noise of daily life, grabbing the attention of residents with its distinct and easily recognizable audible warning. The sound consists of a high-pitched tone followed by a low-pitched tone, which will be activated by patrol vehicles when navigating impacted evacuation areas.
When emergency vehicles use the Hi-Lo signal, it signifies that immediate action is required. Public Safety Departments in Culver City will utilize this system exclusively for evacuation during critical emergencies, such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other urgent situations.
"The Hi-Lo Audible Warning System is a valuable addition to the tools available to our first responders to enhance safety in emergencies," Culver City Mayor Dan O'Brien shared. "By implementing this system, we reinforce our commitment to a proactive approach to protecting our community."
This effort emphasizes the importance of a unified approach to emergency evacuations, ensuring communities receive timely notifications when they are most needed. Wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena earlier this year prompted the Culver City Council to discuss and evaluate the city's emergency preparedness measures at the March 10 Council meeting.
Other California municipalities prone to natural emergencies due to dry weather or proximity to fault lines, including Napa County, Ventura County, and Marin County, have implemented a Hi-Lo siren system in the past. The initiative is made possible locally through the efforts of the Culver City Police Department, the Culver City Fire Department, and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Christine Parra.
The three parties have collaborated to integrate this system seamlessly into Culver City's emergency response protocols. Officials are committed to protecting residents and providing educational resources on how to respond when the Hi-Lo Warning System is activated.
"Implementing the Hi-Lo Audible Warning System is just one of many steps [CCPD] is taking to enhance our emergency preparedness," Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims said. "We will continue to assess and innovate our methods to keep Culver City safe and ready for any emergencies we may face together."
"This system enhances the ability to communicate critical information quickly and effectively," Culver City Fire Chief Ken Powell said. "The Hi-Lo Audible Warning System will serve as a crucial resource during evacuations, helping to ensure that our residents take the necessary actions to protect themselves and their families."
Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Hi-Lo Audible Warning System by visiting culvercitypd.org and to create and continually update their household and workplace emergency plans. Additionally, it is imperative to ensure that loved ones with disabilities or mobility challenges are enrolled in Culver City Community Connect.
CCFD also has an Emergency Preparedness Division, whose website provides the knowledge and tools to create a Family Disaster Plan.
Sign up for emergency alerts by texting "CCPD" to 888-777. For additional questions, please contact Culver City Police Department Public Information Officer Jennifer Atenza at 310-253-6120 or email jennifer.atenza@culvercity.org.
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