Know Your Emergency Alert and Notification System
The Emergency Alert and Notification System warns residents when an emergency happens or may be expected to happen. The system includes outdoor warning sirens, emergency alert radios and local radio and television stations. The Emergency Alert and Notification System is used to provide information before, during and after an emergency. This information is provided for Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, St. Clair and Talladega counties. If you live in another Alabama county, contact your county emergency management agencyfor local information.
Outdoor Warning Sirens
Radio and Television Stations
Tone Alert Radios
Weather Alert Radios
What should I do if I hear an outdoor warning siren or tone alert radio?
Outdoor Warning Sirens
Outdoor warning sirens are intended to alert people who are outdoors. While they may be heard indoors in some areas, they do not replace the need to have an indoor warning method such as a tone alert radio or weather alert radio. Outdoor warning sirens are tested monthly, unless the threat of severe weather exists on the test day. Click here for a list of siren tones and what they mean.
To hear the siren tones and what the tones mean, call 256.237.7703 or 800.672.9498.
Radio and Television Stations
Click here for a list of local radio and television stations that are part of the Emergency Alert System.
Tone Alert Radios
Tone alert radios (TARs) are an important part of the Emergency Alert System for people who are indoors. Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency uses the TARs to provide information before, during and after emergencies for residents in the Immediate Response Zones and Pink Zones.
How do I get a TAR? Call 256.236.8642 or 800.263.0201 to find out if you qualify to receive a TAR. People who live in the Immediate Response Zones of Calhoun County can have a free TAR installed in their home.
Click here for a list of tone alert radio tones and what they mean.
Call 256.237.7703 or 800.672.9498 to hear the TAR tones and what they mean.
Weather Alert Radios
The NOAA Weather Radio provides comprehensive weather and emergency information. You can purchase a NOAA Weather Radio receiver at most electronics stores. For more information about the NOAA Weather Radio receiver, visit the National Weather Service website which includes information about emergency alerts for people who have hearing impairments.
What should I do if I hear an outdoor warning siren or tone alert radio?
- Stay calm.
- Go indoors immediately, if you are outside.
- Tune to your local Emergency Alert System radio or television station.
- Follow instructions which will be provided by your local Emergency Management Agency.
What should I do before an emergency?
- Tape a list of your county's Emergency Alert System radio and television stations to a radio and television in your home.
- Keep a radio and extra batteries in an easy-to-reach location.
- Test the radio and television stations for your community before an emergency to determine which stations you can receive at your home.
- Consider purchasing a weather alert radio. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio provides comprehensive weather and emergency information. You can purchase a NOAA Weather Radio receiver at many electronics stores.
