MemberThere are several ultra-orthodox Synagogues in Brooklyn that use extremely loud air raid sirens to alert their members of the impending Shabbat, and other religious holidays. They ring it twice every Friday, for 90 seconds, 15 minutes before sundown, and then again at sundown for 90 seconds. One of these sirens (not the same location as the one in the news story/video) is about 1.5 miles from me, close enough to hear but not enough to do damage. I don't know if the one in the neighborhood of Bed-Stuy is still operating, but the one in my area is.
WARNING: If you are going to watch the videos, turn your speakers down before doing so.
NY Post newspaper article and video:
http://nypost.com/2016/10/26/this-synagogues-absurdly-loud-siren-is-pissing-people-off/
"It's so loud, it takes your breath away," said Aaron Graubart, 48, a food photographer who said he complained to the DEP and a worker came out to measure the decibels from his apartment.
He said it registered 106 – which is close to a chain saw – from his window.
WARNING: If you are going to watch the videos, turn your speakers down before doing so.
NY Post newspaper article and video:
http://nypost.com/2016/10/26/this-synagogues-absurdly-loud-siren-is-pissing-people-off/
"It's so loud, it takes your breath away," said Aaron Graubart, 48, a food photographer who said he complained to the DEP and a worker came out to measure the decibels from his apartment.
He said it registered 106 – which is close to a chain saw – from his window.
I'd like to go next Holiday Season. My sensitivity is moderate to mild. It varies. My tinnitus has steadily worsened but I think earplugs would be good enough. I suppose one must think that it could not be loud enough to actually damage your hearing or else everyone living there would be susceptible to hearing damage. 
