General Siren Information

Siren

The San Luis Obispo County Early Warning System (EWS) sirens are located throughout the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). Although the siren system was installed as one of the requirements related to the operation of Diablo Canyon Power Plant, the sirens can be used for any local emergency where there is a need for the public to act. When activated, the sirens will sound for three minutes. The sirens are an indication that the Emergency Alert System (EAS) has been activated, and emergency information will be provided on local radio and television stations.Go indoors and tune to a local radio or television station.

 

 

What to Do If You Hear the Sirens

  • Local stations will broadcast emergency information about what you should do, including actions such as evacuation or shelter in place. If at sea tune to Marine Channel 16.
  • If you are able, check on your neighbors and make sure they are aware of the emergency and necessary actions.
  • Call (805) 543-2444 if you need information or assistance during an emergency. This phone line is only activated when there is an emergency that affects large numbers of people in the county.
  • Do not call 9-1-1! 9-1-1 is an emergency line for people who need urgent medical, fire, or police help. Using 9-1-1 for information may delay help for someone who needs it.
  • Do not evacuate unless you are directed to do so over the EAS or by emergency officials.
  • Do not use your telephone unless you need to call for help. Please leave phone lines open and emergency personnel available for people who need immediate lifesaving help.
  • If sirens sound and there is no message on local radio or television stations, there may have been a siren error. Please report siren malfunctions to the Sheriff’s Department at (805) 781-4553.

Siren Testing

The EWS sirens are tested annually during the month of August in a full-scale test. During the annual test, all 130 sirens are sounded at full volume for three minutes. The system is sounded at 12:00 pm and again at 12:30 pm to allow for emergency officials to test both the primary and backup activation points.

In addition to the full-scale test, the sirens undergo monthly silent tests as well as quarterly low volume growl tests. Although you may notice the sirens rotating or hear a low volume siren sound for a period of a few seconds, no action is required or requested on the part of the public during these tests.

2024 Annual Full Scale Siren Test

The 2024 Annual Full Scale Early Warning System Siren Test is scheduled for Saturday, August 24.  The sirens will sound at 12pm and again at 12:30 pm.  No action is required on the part of the public.