The audible test of Hall County's outdoor weather warning sirens will occur at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6 in conjunction with Georgia's Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Day. This will only be a test. The sirens will sound for approximately three minutes.
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.
In addition to the tornado siren test, The National Weather Service will also be conducting their NOAA Weather Radio's Routine Weekly Test on Wednesday at the same time.
Meanwhile, Hall County officials continue to urge citizens to sign up for the Hall County Citizen's Alert System. 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.
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, 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."
Ramsey encourages residents to have at least two methods of notification active, whether that be the Citizen's Alert System or a NOAA weather radio.
"The weather sirens are meant as an outdoor warning. With all the ambient noise of the television blaring, dinner cooking on the stove or children playing in the house, it's possible you wouldn't hear the sirens at all," said Ramsey.
"For that reason, we encourage everyone to sign up for alerts, get a NOAA weather radio, or better yet - both."
For more information about Hall County's outdoor weather warning sirens or other preparedness questions visit ready.gov or contact ema@hallcounty.org.