Sirens

The following are examples of Saint Mary's County's Siren Sounds and Messages that you may hear during a test or emergency. Click on the link to listen and familiarize yourself with these sounds.

Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant

Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant performs a Full Cycle Siren Test the first Monday of June and December yearly. The test includes a three-minute activation of all sirens within the 10-mile area around the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. Testing is conducted to check siren operation and increase public awareness of the alert and notification siren system. If the sirens sound at any other time, residents should tune to one of the local radio stations for information and instructions.

Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

Fire Call

This is used by the local volunteer fire department(s) to alert members of an emergency call for their services.

This alert consists of 3 - ten second soundings of the alarm.

EMS - Noon Test

This is used by the local volunteer rescue squad(s) to alert members of an emergency call for their services.

This alert consists of 1 - ten second sound of the alarm. This alarm sounding is also conducted Monday-Saturday at 12:00 noon as a test of our siren system.

Take Cover/Tornado Warning

When it is necessary to notify citizens to "Take Cover" or when the National Weather Service issues a "Tornado Warning" for our area, If you are outside, seek adequate shelter immediately, go inside to the lowest interior floor of the nearest building and stay away from windows.

This activation consists of 13 - ten second soundings of the alarm.

Lightning Detection Sirens

St. Mary’s County Public High Schools are equipped with Lightning Detection Equipment at each of our three high schools. The lightning detection equipment includes an alert siren and visual strobe. When lightning is detected within 10 miles of each high school campus the alert siren (one long blast of 15-seconds) and visual strobe will activate. After 30 minutes has elapsed with no more lightning detected within 10 miles, the alert siren (three short 5-second blast) will activate again indicating all clear. At this point, depending on field conditions, the contest/activity may resume. https://www.smcps.org/academics/education-based-athletics/lightning-detection-system

Emergency Alert System radio stations listed below for emergency instructions

WSMD 98.3 FM * WKIK 102.9 FM & 1560 AM

WWZZ 104.1 FM * WMDM 97.7 FM * WPTX 1690 AM

Fire Department Sirens are tested the first Saturday of each month at 12:00 noon