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Detroit Plans To Test New Outdoor Warning Siren System

DETROIT (AP) - Detroit plans to test a new outdoor warning siren system this weekend.

The test is 1 p.m. Saturday and officials say it will be the first time in years many residents have heard such sirens at home.

The Detroit Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management has been working to enhance the system to notify residents of an immediate or approaching weather emergency. Subsequent tests will be planned at the same time on the first Saturday of each month.

Sirens were originally installed throughout the city more than 35 years ago, but vandalism, copper line theft and closure or demolition of buildings housing the sirens left fewer than 20 in service. This weekend, 40 new sirens will be online. By next month, officials say 54 new sirens will be active.

© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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