SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) – The city of San Marcos fire marshals will be testing a new emergency siren system beginning Friday with tests continuing early next week.

The tests will consist of short, 30-second activations of individual sirens as well as groups of sirens operating at the same time. The tests will verify that the sirens and control stations are working properly.

In all, 14 sirens have been installed throughout the city. The siren system is expected to be fully operational by the end of October, and the city will roll out a public information campaign about periodic testing and use of the sirens in real emergencies.

The system was paid for with a federal Hazard Mitigation Grant of $350,000. San Marcos vis responsible for a 25 percent match, or $87,500, approved by the San Marcos City Council in 2010. City Council approved the installation contract in June.

For more information, contact Fire Marshal Ken Bell at 512-393-8470.