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Preparedness Siren Program
Chatham County Outdoor Emergency Warning Siren Program
The Chatham County Outdoor Emergency Warning Siren System is used to notify residents of danger within their community. Currently there are 60 sirens installed, which cover 95% of Chatham County. Here is an example of a siren setup. This particular siren is at West Chatham Elementary School in Pooler.
Warning sirens are used in Chatham County to notify people about ALL hazards (such as hazardous materials, fires, explosions, tornadoes) that would require the public to act to ensure their safety. The Chatham Emergency Management Agency installed the warning sirens in or near outdoor recreation areas and where a large number of people typically gather.
The sirens have an effective range of two miles in diameter. At 100 feet, the sirens are heard at 129 decibels (the equivalent sound level of a jet engine taking off). At one mile, they're heard at 70 decibels (the equivalent sound level of a normal conversation). This alert tone, which is a continuous 3-minute sounding siren, can be heard by clicking the following link: Warning Siren Sound.
What the Public Needs to Know if They Hear a Siren:
Each siren makes the sound of one long wail which is distinctly different from the short, repetitive wails of fire engine truck sirens or police car sirens.
If you are OUTSIDE when you hear the siren to take refuge immediately inside of a sturdy building. Once inside, monitor emergency advisories by listening to NOAA weather radios (strongly recommended), commercial radio or televised newscasts.
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.
In March 2012, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Emergency Management Association of Georgia with assistance from the National Weather Service released a report, Outdoor Warning Sirens Operations and Testing: A Guide for Local Emergency Managers, which outlines recommendations for testing, activation and maintenance of Outdoor Warning Sirens.
Are you curious to see where the nearest outdoor warning siren is to your home or business? Savannah Area Geographic Information System created an interactive webpage that allows you to do just that. The site allows you to view the siren map a couple of different ways, to include a full view of the entire county and every siren, or to zoom in on a specific location. One of the features on the map is a search bar where you can plug in your address and see how close you are to a siren. You can also use a ruler to measure your distance from the siren.
Don't toss the NOAA Weather Radio:
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.
