The warning system is designed to alert residents and visitors of Wicomico County about an imminent hazard to include weather-related danger such as a tornado warning. The specific emergency alerts will be broadcast over any or all of the 13 sirens located at local fire departments and the two maintained by the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services. Wicomico’s siren system can be activated for either the entire county or for specific affected areas. In the event of an imminent hazard the alert tone – which differs from fire station alarms – will sound for a sustained 2 minutes. When the sirens sound, citizens should seek shelter immediately and then tune into local news media for additional information. Citizens should not call 9-1-1 to determine the hazard causing the activation.
Frequently Asked Questions?
What is the Citizen Alert/Warning Siren System?
The warning system is designed to alert residents and visitors of Wicomico County about imminent hazards. The specific emergency alerts will be broadcast over any or all of the 13 sirens located at local fire departments and the two maintained by the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services. In the event of an imminent hazard, the alert tone will sound for a sustained 2 minutes.
Why do the sirens go off the first Monday of every month?
They are tested at 6:30 pm the first Monday of every month. During the monthly test, the siren emits a single 10 second sustained alert tone. Residents should use this test as a
time to review emergency procedures. In the event of a disaster, the alert tone will sound for a sustained 2 minutes.
What if I hear the siren at another time?
If you hear the siren at a time other than its regular tests on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 pm:
> Stay calm
> Stop what you are doing
> Seek shelter immediately
> Tune into local news media for additional information
> Avoid using the telephone. Do not call 9-1-1, unless you have a life-threatening emergency
> Wicomico County’s sirens do not sound an “All Clear” tone, so consult the news media to learn when the danger has lifted
