Testing, one, two, three.

On Thursday, Sept. 3, the Village of Ada will test its new tornado siren at noon, according to Michael Harnishfeger, police chief.  

He said that the  siren will run for 3 minutes during the test.

In addition, the village will test the siren each third Wednesday of every month at noon.

As a note, Ohio Northern University completes a test of its tornado siren on the first Wednesday of every month.

"With the addition of this siren, Ada will be well covered to provide early warning to residents in case of a tornado," said Harnishfeger.

The siren was installed on July 28 at a cost of $30,000. According to village officials, it will provide an early warning system for all of Ada to include impending severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. 

A coverage map shows the siren’s sound will go well past the village limits. It provides a 70-decibel signal and is located near the Ada’s water towers.

Following the Sept. 3 test, the siren will be activated only by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service. When activated it will run for 3 minutes in the event of a tornado warning.

It has options to allow Hardin County dispatch or Ada officials to remotely activate the siren.

The siren sits atop a 50-foot pole approximately 45 to 47 feet above ground.

The siren came to the attention of Ada council on March 3 when Harnishfeger provided a project update.