If you hear emergency sirens in Torrance at 3 p.m. Friday, October 2, the City says there is no reason to panic.

It is a scheduled test of the Torrance Neighborhood Outdoor Warning system, or TorranceNOW.

During the test, residents may hear a wail tone, followed by a voice message stating “This is only a test,” and then Westminster-style chimes.

The system includes eight sirens positioned around Torrance, including locations at fire stations, Southeast Library, and near Lomita Boulevard and Madison Street.

In a real emergency, these sirens are intended to alert residents when immediate action may be needed, such as evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions.

Friday’s activation is only a test.

Still, it is a useful reminder to recognize the sound before an actual emergency happens.

External Link: See the City’s TorranceNOW siren test information