Selma, N.C. — Selma residents will soon hear sirens when a tornado threatens.

The Town Council recently approved a plan to sound the fire department's old siren –  which can be heard over a three-mile radius – when the National Weather Service issues a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning for the area.

Fire Chief Phillip McDaniel said the siren would blow three times in the event of a weather emergency.

Tests of the siren began last week and will occur Fridays at noon for the next month.