Community Alerting

The following are ways Talbot DES will communicate with the public for pending or existing emergency situations.  Our philosophy is to use the following means of communications appropriate for the threat at any given time.

Our Tools to Reach You...

• Press Releases issued through local newspapers, radio, television, and social media
• Situational Awareness Advisories to key groups and organizations who relay messages to the community
• Emergency Alert System -  The is a National System that allows for the preemption of radio and television
• Connect CTY Mass Notification System – This allows us to activate all land line telephones and to send voice, text, and email messages to those who sign up for the free service (ADD LINK TO CONNECT CTY)
• Community Alert Sirens – These are the same sirens used by the Volunteer Fire Companies to alert them for Fire and Rescue calls. When activated to alert the Community there is a different signal emitted.

Community Alert Sirens

The siren system will be tested on the first Saturday of every month at noon by sounding the IMMINENT DANGER SIGNAL, FOLLOWED BY THE ALL-CLEAR.

» Click here to hear the IMMINENT DANGER Siren (wav)

» Click here to hear WARNING Siren (mp3)

» Click here to download the Community Alert Siren Brochure (pdf)

Emergency Managers in Caroline, Talbot & Queen Anne's Counties have realized a need for an additional means of warning our communities of imminent danger or the need to turn on radios, televisions or computers for information.  This is not because of any new threat or concern.  Our communities have not been specifically targeted by any hostile force.  It is hoped that the “Imminent Danger” signal will never be needed; however, it will be available should something occur.  The “Warning” signal might be used when a severe weather warning is issued for the area.  After Hurricane Isabel blew through the Eastern Shore, many residents felt they were not adequately warned regarding the tidal surge.  The “Warning” signal will alert everyone of the need to acquire additional information.  When the crisis is ended, an “All-Clear” signal will be sounded.

The “Imminent Danger” siren signal is a two minute wavering tone.  The wavering tone goes up and down faster than the customary fire signal.  The “Warning” signal is a two-minute steady tone.  A steady tone is now used for ambulance alerts but has a much shorter duration than the “Warning” signal.  The “All Clear” signal is a steady, 30-second tone.

If you need additional information regarding the new siren signals, please contact the Emergency Management office in your County.