Columbia Begins Installation of New Citywide Emergency Siren System

Issue #606

November 07, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Clouds early, mostly sunny in afternoon w/ high of 73, low of 44

📰 Columbia Begins Installation of New Citywide Emergency Siren System

📌 First Fridays Rescheduled to Saturday

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

Check Out This Week’s Feature Story! 👇

Columbia Begins Installation of New Citywide Emergency Siren System

The City of Columbia has begun installation of a new citywide public safety siren system, marking a major step forward in strengthening community safety and emergency preparedness.

The project includes the installation of 12 strategically placed sirens across Columbia, featuring three electrical sirens equipped with both audible alarms and voice capabilities, along with nine mechanical sirens designed to deliver powerful audible alerts. Once completed, the system will serve as a vital tool for mass notification during severe weather events or other emergencies.

Mayor Chaz Molder said, “This new system represents an important step forward in protecting our residents and ensuring we are prepared for any emergency. It’s another example of how we continue to invest in the safety and well-being of our community.”

Sirens will be installed at key locations throughout the city, including:

• Fire Station 3

• Fire Station 4

• Fire Station 5

• Bear Creek Pike at Interstate 65

• Ridley Park

• Fairview Park

• Old Williamsport Pike at the Wastewater Plant

• Malibu Canyon

• Honey Farms

• East Burt Drive

• West 6th Street at Reservoir Hill

• The Farm at Golston Hill

Funded through a $420,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Imminent Threat Program, the project was made possible in partnership with the South Central Tennessee Development District (SCTDD). This funding supports the installation of a state-of-the-art siren emergency notification system designed to enhance the City’s response capabilities during natural disasters and other public emergencies.

City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the importance of this investment. “By implementing this state-of-the-art siren system, Columbia is taking proactive steps to ensure our community is well-prepared for future tornadoes or other natural disasters,” said Massey.

Fire Chief Chris Cummins highlighted the system’s life-saving potential. “When emergencies strike, every second counts,” said Chief Cummins. “This new siren system will provide real-time alerts that can help save lives.”

The City of Columbia extends its gratitude to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for their continued investment in local communities and to the South Central Tennessee Development District for their partnership and support in bringing this project to fruition. 

First Fridays Rescheduled to Saturday

Due to potential storm conditions forecast for Friday, Columbia Main Street, in partnership with the City of Columbia, has rescheduled the November First Fridays “Happy Feastmas” celebration to Saturday, November 8th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:30 PM on the Courthouse Square in Downtown Columbia.

This special edition of First Fridays combines the spirit of Thanksgiving with the joy of Christmas, celebrating community, generosity, and the start of the holiday season. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support Harvest Share and The Well Outreach and to enjoy a shared meal from local food trucks or restaurants at communal tables on the square.

The evening will feature craft and food artisans, festive photo ops, live music, extended shopping hours, and a visit from Santa leading up to the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, sponsored by Chris Jones State Farm Agent.

Join us Saturday for an evening of fellowship, fun, and the official start of the holidays in Columbia! This is a free event and open to the public. For more information, please visit our website at columbiamainstreet.com or contact us at 931-560-1507.

*The First Friday Block Party has also been rescheduled to Saturday from 4:00 - 6:00 PM.

Join us for a Pre-Lighting Party from 4-6pm (before the tree lighting) for delicious food, local vendors, and flowing drinks! Local band Nkahootz will be playing from 4-6pm. Bring your chairs to enjoy all the festivities from the parking lot!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Friday, November 7th

Saturday, November 8th

Sunday, November 9th

Monday, November 10th

Tuesday, November 11th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, November 7th

Box of Rox — Grinder’s Switch Winery, 6–8 PM
Neal Pennington — McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Mary Lou Lackey — Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Troy Kemp — Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Wentzel Brothers Band — Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, November 8th

Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints — McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7–9 PM
Fall Series: The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Makin Merri — Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
The Howlin Embers — Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Nkahootz — The Boondox, 8 PM
Eden Storm — Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, November 9th

Wicked Chowdah — Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM

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