Siren Program

Chatham County Warning Sirens
Traditionally, people have relied on outdoor warning sirens to alert them to an emergency in the area. However, with new improvements in building construction and design, homes are being constructed to be more resistant to noise. While the sirens are still a valuable tool to alert people outdoors, other means need to be explored to reach the people who are inside a home or building.  NOAA Weather Alert Monitors are the best primary warning system available for your home. For this reason, the Chatham Emergency Management Agency will install warning sirens in or near outdoor recreation areas and where a large number of people may gather.

Conditions Under Which Sirens are Activated
TORNADO WARNING. If a Tornado Warning is received from the National Weather Service, sirens in the area will sound as follows:  Warning Siren Sound

Type of activation: 3-minute continuous sounding siren.
Recommended action: Seek shelter immediately & implement tornado plan.

POTENTIAL OR ACTUAL EMERGENCY other than tornadoes. If the public must be notified of a public emergency other than a tornado emergency (i.e. hazardous material, fire, etc) sirens in the area will sound as follows: Wail Siren Sound

Type of activation: 3-minute fast high-low tone siren
Recommended action: Access other mediums regarding the specific threat; monitor local TV or radio stations for more information and guidance.

WARNING SIREN TESTING.
The Chatham Emergency Management Agency conducts monthly tests of County warning sirens. On the first Wednesday of each month, the outdoor warning sirens are briefly activated at 12:00 noon. This program is designed to maintain a reliable warning system and to meet State and Federal testing guidelines. In the event of bad weather, the test will be cancelled to avoid confusion.