Philadelphia Sirens
Posted: Sun May 10, 2020 4:16 am
Hello Everyone,
I'm somewhat new to the hobby. I live in Northeast Philadelphia, very close to the border with Montgomery County and not far from the Bucks County border either. If anyone knows the area, I am within earshot of the Huntingdon Valley and Bryn Athyn fire houses. Hearing them over the past few years has helped me develop a casual interest in fire sirens.
Being ordered to stay at home, I've had more time to research and came across some maps created by some of the members here. The one I found for Pennsylvania was very extensive and a GREAT tool... but I noticed there were no sirens listed in Philadelphia! I happen to know the location of a few, but forgive me: I don't know much about the sirens themselves.
AdvanSix is a chemical plant that is well known in the city as it sits next to I-95 and has been a fixture in the Bridesburg area for decades. In late 2013 they published the locations of a siren system for this location to be used in case of emergencies at the plant as well as for major incidents on I-95 and the nearby railroads.
https://www.advansix.com/frankford/?doc ... download=1
All locations of these sirens are up-to-date except for the location at State Rd and Carter St. Due to changing hands of the properties it appears the siren that was there has been taken down or relocated. I think all of these are the same make and model... If Google Map photos aren't allowed I can take these down! I should be able to get my own photos when these restrictions are lifted.
Aramingo Ave. and Margaret St.
Richmond St. and Buckius St.
Wakeling St. and Worth St.
Even though I work nearby, I've never heard the Wednesday tests at noon (I'm a teacher...) But friends in the area have told me about the tests over the years so I'm sure they're still active.
Another note to make is Temple University and University of Pennsylvania also have siren systems, though I'm not certain of the location. Both can be heard throughout the neighborhoods and usually only go off for severe weather events or lockdowns.
Added 5/10/2020
The South Philadelphia refinery has been the site of many fires and emergencies. In 2006, Sunoco had a siren warning system installed in a joint effort with the city. The Philadelphia Fire Department has control of this system and sometimes uses it for emergencies aside from those at the refinery. They are definitely still in use as they went off for a large inferno that erupted less than 2 years ago.
Here is an article with more details and exact locations:
https://www.thegreencities.com/energy/r ... emergency/
And here is a photo. They are all this make and model.
If I find any more or have anything else to share, I'll be sure to chime in here!
I'm somewhat new to the hobby. I live in Northeast Philadelphia, very close to the border with Montgomery County and not far from the Bucks County border either. If anyone knows the area, I am within earshot of the Huntingdon Valley and Bryn Athyn fire houses. Hearing them over the past few years has helped me develop a casual interest in fire sirens.
Being ordered to stay at home, I've had more time to research and came across some maps created by some of the members here. The one I found for Pennsylvania was very extensive and a GREAT tool... but I noticed there were no sirens listed in Philadelphia! I happen to know the location of a few, but forgive me: I don't know much about the sirens themselves.
AdvanSix is a chemical plant that is well known in the city as it sits next to I-95 and has been a fixture in the Bridesburg area for decades. In late 2013 they published the locations of a siren system for this location to be used in case of emergencies at the plant as well as for major incidents on I-95 and the nearby railroads.
https://www.advansix.com/frankford/?doc ... download=1
All locations of these sirens are up-to-date except for the location at State Rd and Carter St. Due to changing hands of the properties it appears the siren that was there has been taken down or relocated. I think all of these are the same make and model... If Google Map photos aren't allowed I can take these down! I should be able to get my own photos when these restrictions are lifted.
Aramingo Ave. and Margaret St.
Richmond St. and Buckius St.
Wakeling St. and Worth St.
Even though I work nearby, I've never heard the Wednesday tests at noon (I'm a teacher...) But friends in the area have told me about the tests over the years so I'm sure they're still active.
Another note to make is Temple University and University of Pennsylvania also have siren systems, though I'm not certain of the location. Both can be heard throughout the neighborhoods and usually only go off for severe weather events or lockdowns.
Added 5/10/2020
The South Philadelphia refinery has been the site of many fires and emergencies. In 2006, Sunoco had a siren warning system installed in a joint effort with the city. The Philadelphia Fire Department has control of this system and sometimes uses it for emergencies aside from those at the refinery. They are definitely still in use as they went off for a large inferno that erupted less than 2 years ago.
Here is an article with more details and exact locations:
https://www.thegreencities.com/energy/r ... emergency/
And here is a photo. They are all this make and model.
If I find any more or have anything else to share, I'll be sure to chime in here!
