If you're in Milton tomorrow and hear what sounds like a tornado siren, don't worry—it's just a test. According to the City of Milton, the town's 11 tornado sirens will undergo an audible test, unlike their usual silent monthly checks. The tests will be heard at staggered times, with each siren sounding for ten seconds.
The purpose of these audible tests is to ensure the proper functioning of the warning system. Alpharetta has already been conducting similar tests, which may have been heard by Milton residents. However, the sirens tomorrow are not signaling an emergency, but simply verifying the system's readiness for a real tornado threat.
Milton's tornado siren system, along with sirens from neighboring Alpharetta, is activated by 911 dispatchers when a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service. While a real tornado warning would result in longer siren sounds, these tests will be shorter.
It's important to note that sirens are mainly for people outdoors, and their effectiveness can be reduced by other loud environmental noises, like strong winds or hail. Authorities encourage residents to also use their phones for tornado alerts, ensuring they are charged, nearby, and set up to receive notifications for the best chance of staying informed in an actual emergency.
