Spartanburg County Warning Signals

The first Saturday of each month at 1:00pm or as we say "1300hrs" you hear a strange sound. This sound is Spartanburg County testing one of its Warning Systems. This test is conducted the first Saturday of each month at or around 1:00pm.

What do the alert signals mean and what do you need to do when you hear the signal at any other time of the month?

First of all there are two warning signals. If you listen to the signals you will notice that one is a three minute steady blast and the other signal is a three minute wavering sound.

The three minute steady blastis used to get the attention of citizens in a time of threatened or impending natural disaster, or some other peacetime emergency. Sometimes you will hear this referred to as a "Blue Alert". When you hear this signal you need to turn on your TV and/or radio and listen for further information and instructions.

The three minute wavering signal is used only in case of an enemy attack. You may also hear this referred to as a "Yellow Alert". This warning signal means that an actual enemy attack against the United States has been detected. You need to turn on your TV and/or radio for further information and instructions.

Both of these signals are activated county wide. If an incident happens anywhere in Spartanburg County, the entire county is alerted.

Anytime you hear an alert signal turn on a TV and/or radio and listen for instructions. Do not call 911 or any emergency response agency unless you have an emergency.

Weather Alert Radio:

Every citizen in Spartanburg County is encouraged to have a weather alert radio in their home. The siren warning signals are to alert citizens that are outside. You need the weather alert radio to make you aware of weather emergencies when you are inside your house or place of work.

"This is just another important way you can help us to help you."