​​​​​​Marengo County Emergency Communications District

A Weather Siren System is a system used to warn the general population of a tornado warning.  Whenever severe weather threatens

the Citizens of Marengo County the E-911 Center is ready.  We have the sole responsibility of turning the weather sirens on in the

event of a tornado warning. 

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Q:  Why can’t I hear the siren in my house?

A:  Sirens are designed to be outdoor warning systems. Many  individuals can hear sirens in their homes, but that is not

their intended purpose. Sirens are only one part of the warning systems used to alert citizens. Weather radios, which are better suited

to  indoor warning, are also part of the warning systems used to alert citizens. Most newer weather radios have the capability to

alert citizens inside their homes about dangerous situations through an alarm function. 

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Q.  Are all of the sirens activated at the same time?

A.  The siren system has been created in such a way that not all sirens have to be activated at the same time. The idea is that only

the sirens in the area affected will be sounded. The area where the sirens will be activated is generally determined by the area

covered by the warnings issued by the National Weather Service. 

Example:  

If only the City of Demopolis is under a Tornado Warning then the Sweet Water Siren will not be set off. 

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Q.   Is there an “All Clear” signal? 

A.   There is no all clear sounding for the siren system. If the sirens sound for a second time, it does not mean it is safe to come out

of shelter areas. 


Please be aware that the weather sirens will NOT sound for the duration of the tornado warning.  Just because the weather siren

stops sounding does NOT mean that the chance for a tornado is over.  All citizens should listen to the radio or television for

confirmation that the tornado warning has been canceled.

 
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Q.   What Should I Do if I Hear the Sirens?

A.    If the sirens are activated - and it is not a monthly siren test - the public should:

     * see it as a signal to seek shelter inside

      * tune in to a radio or television to get information, 

           instructions and recommendations


       * listen to your local media for indications that the   

      emergency is over.

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Q.    When will the sirens be set off?

A.    Marengo County E-911 will ONLY set off the weather sirens in the event of a Tornado Warning. 

Warning- Forecast issued when a particular weather hazard is "imminent" or already occurring (e.g., tornado warning).  A

warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property.  

Marengo County E-911 will NOT set off the weather sirens in the event of a Tornado Watch.

Watch- Forecast issued well in advance to alert the public of the possibility of a particular weather-related hazard (e.g. tornado

watch, ). The occurrence, location and timing may still be uncertain.

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Q.    If I call 911 can they give me more information?

A.    NO!  Our dispatchers do not receive any reports / information that is not available to all citizens. Theses alerts can be received by a having ​ NOAA weather radio, Weather apps, tv/radio, on Facebook at National Weather Service Birmingham or Marengo County E-911.

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​Weather Siren Test

Weather permitting the weather sirens are tested on the first Thursday of every month at 9:00 a.m. to make sure everything is

working property.

Please understand that Marengo County E-911 is only responsible for testing and turning on the weather sirens during a tornado warning.  Marengo County E-911 is not responsible for maintenance of the sirens.

Weather Sirens

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