The City of Berkeley is adding an emergency siren to its ways to communicate in an emergency. The siren will use a wailing tone and voice, alerting the public to seek additional emergency information online.

The siren can cover the entire city or target areas in potential danger. City officials want anyone who hears the siren to seek additional information on the city’s website. Depending on the alert, the siren might be audible in parts of the Lab. You can hear examples of the sirens’ sounds and voice messages.

Sept. 17 is the 100th anniversary of a devastating fire in Berkeley that burned over 600 structures, primarily homes near the campus. The source of the fire is unknown, but it began in Wildcat Canyon and was driven by high winds and dry vegetation.

As part of the 100th anniversary acknowledgement, a Fire Ready Fest will be held Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Live Oak Park. It is a family-friendly event that features preparedness information. The new siren will be tested at noon on Sunday, but the debut will use chimes rather than the emergency warning tones.