Storm sirens sounded again Saturday, as part of a continuing effort to test an outdoors emergency alert system and to alert citizens of their purpose.

The sirens went off for approximately three minutes as part of a series of weekly tests, which are being conducted every Saturday at noon to ensure that the recently acquired outdoor weather alert system is in working order.

The city received the long-awaited sirens after years of effort by city officials. In September, five sirens were delivered to Brookhaven and were installed in strategic locations around the city.

“The idea is to have the sirens in positions that will allow all city residents to hear them when necessary,” said Clifford Galey, director of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Civil Defense/Emergency Management.

While the primary purpose of the sirens is to alert residents in the event of a tornado warning, Galey said the sirens could be activated in the case of a major transportation accident or a special emergency of similar magnitude.

The sirens are expected to sound again next Saturday for another test. Galey said he will not test the sirens in the event of stormy weather.