Police Cars In Culver City Now Have A 2nd, Unique Siren — Here's What It Means

CULVER CITY, CA — Police cars in Culver City are now equipped with additional, distinctive-sounding sirens — and if residents happen to hear the alarm, it means it's time to evacuate.

Culver City Police Department patrol vehicles are now equipped with the Hi-Lo Audible Warning System. Designed to cut through city noise and grab residents' attention, the unique sound — a high pitched tone followed by a low-pitched tone — will be used only to alert residents they need to evacuate, such as during wildfires, earthquakes, floods, bomb-threat incidents and other emergencies.

Police officers will activate the noise while navigating impacted evacuation areas and residents should know if they hear the siren, it's time leave immediately, the CCPD said Friday.

Watch the video above to hear what the Hi-Lo siren sounds like.

“As your Police Chief, my foremost priority is the safety of our community,” police Chief Jason Sims said. “Implementing the Hi-Lo Audible Warning System is just one of many steps we are taking to enhance our emergency preparedness. We will continue to assess and innovate our methods to keep Culver City safe and ready for any emergencies we may face together.”

The Hi-Lo siren does not replace typical police car sirens; CCPD's vehicles will continue to use normal-sounding sirens as usual.