TOWN HALL WILL BE CLOSED ON THE LISTED  HOLIDAYS IN 2013:

Thursday, November 28th - Thanksgiving Day

Friday, November 29th - Thanksgiving Friday 

Wednesday, December 25th - Christmas Day

WICOMICOCOUNTY TO LAUNCH CITIZEN WARNING/ALERT SIREN SYSTEM

Alert system will go into effect on September 11th

Salisbury,MD– Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt and the Department of Emergency Services announce the implementation of a new Citizen Warning/Alert Siren System. The warning system is designed to alert residents and visitors ofWicomicoCountyabout 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.

“The siren system will be used to alert citizens of an imminent hazard,” said David Shipley, Director of Emergency Services for WicomicoCounty, “September is National Preparedness Month. It’s a great opportunity to talk with your children and elderly parents to ensure they know proper procedures.”

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or that a developing tornado is reported by trained spotters or indicated on Doppler radar. A warning is typically issued for a small area for less than an hour.WicomicoCounty’s sirens do not sound an “All Clear” tone, so consult the news media to learn when the danger has lifted.

The Department of Emergency Services strongly suggests citizens purchase a NOAA Weather All-Hazards Radio. NOAA Weather All Hazards Radios (NWR) are a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official weather service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24/7 providing comprehensive weather and emergency information.

Frequently Asked Questions?

What is the Citizen Alert/Warning Siren System?

 The warning system is designed to alert residents and visitors ofWicomicoCountyabout 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 every first Monday?

 They are tested at 7:30pm 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 an opportunity 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 7:30pm:

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

WicomicoCounty’s sirens do not sound an “All Clear” tone, so consult the news media to learn when the danger has lifted

The Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services will be posting severe weather awareness tips and information on its Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/WicomicoCountyEmergencyServices?ref=hl