Cobb County performs siren testing on the first Wednesday of each month at noon. If it is raining or the weather conditions are unusual, testing is delayed until the first Thursday of each month at noon. If severe weather continues on the first Thursday of the month, the testing is canceled for the month.
There are currently 74 sirens, including 10 that also broadcast voice messages in Cobb County. The sirens are meant to be heard by those who are outdoors during an emergency. The siren is a warning to seek shelter or cover from approaching imminent danger.
Sirens are sounded for 3-5 minutes if:
- The National Weather System (NWS) issues a tornado warning.
- A tornado has been spotted by a trained storm spotter.
- Additional weather warnings necessitating public warning are issued.*
- Hazardous Materials incidents have occurred whereby evacuation, shelter-in-place, or other protective action is necessary.*
- A National Security Event has occurred.*
- Any other incident or impending danger where the CEMA Director or Deputy Director determines the need for public notification and protective action.*
*All sirens can be used to warn residents to seek shelter. However, only sirens that can deliver voice messages will be utilized for any other protective action.
Other Ways to Receive Safety Notifications
Text Alerts
The Cobb County government has a text alert system that is reserved for significant county events like boil water alerts, major road closures, evacuations, tornado and winter storms, etc. To enroll, text ALERTS to 68217. Unsubscribe by texting STOP to 68217.
Phone Apps
Weather apps like Weather Channel, AccuWeather, and WeatherBug offer real-time alerts, radar, and local forecasts. Local news apps like FOX 5 Storm Team Weather Radar and WSBTV Weather App feature interactive radar and location-based storm alerts with higher precision than county-based alerts. Other apps include the FEMA app, which provides real-time weather alerts from the National Weather Service, information on emergency shelters, and preparedness guides, and the American Red Cross Emergency app, which is specifically designed for disaster preparedness and includes over 50 customizable NOAA weather alerts.
NOAA Weather Radio
Nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting 24/7 weather information from the local National Weather Service (NWS) Office in Peachtree City, GA.
