The Noise from This Tornado Siren in Battle Creek Might Scare the Bejeezus Out of You

Cities around America maintain sirens to warn of weather emergencies, alert firefighters, and in a different age warn against nuclear attacks. This siren in Battle Creek makes an incredibly ominous sound.

The siren which is a 'Thunderbolt' design made by Federal Signal spins in 360 degrees as it emits its warning tone. According to Siren Wiki,

These sirens were originally used by the Civil Defense Corp. for nuclear procedures, but were eventually used for fire stations and weather warnings, as well as "noon whistles".

Frightening Battle Creek Warning Siren

This Battle Creek siren, uploaded to YouTube by wolvesone, is apparently wired in reverse causing it to emit a very odd tone. It sounds like a zombie apocalypse when you hear this creepy, alarming tone.

Mendon Thurderbolt Siren

Another Thunderbolt siren, down the road in Mendon, is how a proper Thunderbolt is supposed to sound.

Having heard both, the question is, which is more terrifying? The answer is both. Neither put forth a sound you'd want to hear except in a scheduled test.

Sirens like these are intended to be unignorable warnings from governmental authorities to keep you safe and alert. Other times, however, the government is less than open and transparent. Check out these instances when the covert ruled the day over the overt.