In conjunction with Severe Weather Preparedness Week (Feb. 3- Feb. 10), Hall County Central Communications/E9-1-1 will conduct an audible test of its severe weather warning system at approximately 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7. This will only be a test. The sirens will sound for approximately three minutes.
Sound tests will not be conducted if there is a severe weather watch or warning in effect for Hall County. The tornado sirens are tested using the wail alert tone once every three months. Other than these previously announced tests, all sirens should be considered to be an actual tornado warning.
Hall County's Warning System is tested silently every Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Also during Severe Weather Preparedness Week, Hall County officials are urging citizens to sign up for the Hall County Citizen's Alert System, which will also be tested Wednesday morning. The Citizen's Alert System notifies residents about severe weather, fires, floods, toxic environmental issues and other important topics within minutes. Messages can be sent to individuals using a variety of contact mechanisms - cell phone, landline, email, text messaging and more - ensuring that Hall County residents receive life-saving emergency information and important public service announcements in minutes. Citizens listed in the County's 9-1-1 database have been automatically subscribed to alerts by landline, though any individual may self-register, provide additional contact information or opt out. To sign up or learn more, log onto alerts.hallcounty.org.
“Severe weather can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous,” said Casey Ramsey, interim director of Hall County Emergency Management. “By taking steps to prepare before it strikes, you can ensure that you and your family stay safe. I encourage all Hall County residents to implement safety measures at home and at work so they will be ready when severe weather strikes.”
Severe Weather Preparedness Week begins with Family Preparedness Day on Feb. 5, when Hall County households are encouraged to program their NOAA Weather Radios. All of the following days focus on a different threat and how to prepare:
Monday, Feb. 5 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day
Tuesday, Feb. 6 – Thunderstorm Safety
Wednesday, Feb. 7 – Tornado Safety and PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety
Thursday, Feb. 8 – Lightning Safety
Friday, Feb. 9 – Flood Safety (alternate PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety date)
On Wednesday, when tornado safety is emphasized and when Hall County will be testing its weather sirens and emergency notification system, residents, schools and businesses statewide are encouraged to participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety, a statewide tornado drill.
Please direct any questions or concerns to the administrative offices of Hall County Emergency Management at 770-531-6838.