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Recognizing an Emergency - Sirens
      There are many different ways that the public is notified of emergency events. You've probably heard many of these before, including radio and television announcements that beep several times and say "This is a test of the emergency broadcast system.". These systems help ensure that people in Kanawha County and throughout the area will be notified in the event of a real emergency.

     You might also be familiar with the sounds of the very loud sirens that ring throughout the valley every month, however few people know that these are also a way to alert the public of an emergency. These sirens are tested every month on the last Wednesday of the month at noon. If you hear these sirens and it is not the last Wednesday of the month, you should go inside immediately and turn on your television or radio for further information. If you are in your car, stay inside the vehicle and stay tuned to your radio. Do not stop driving unless instructed to do so.

     Pay attention when you hear sirens and other emergency announcements---it could mean the safety of you and your family in a real emergency!

Welcome to the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department 
Division of Emergency Preparedness

 



Are You Prepared for an Emergency? Is Your Family? Your Pet?
Use the links below to help you create an emergency plan and kit:
 


Use KCHD's "Be Prepared" Kit to make an emergency plan for your family. Just 3 simple steps!

1. Download the "Be Prepared" Kit by clicking here.
2. Follow the instructions and fill out the "Be Prepared Kit."
3. Share the information with your family.

 



 

 
If zombies attack, are YOU prepared?
Are you prepared for an emergency? Click the image below for more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about preparing yourself for any emergency---even a zombie apocolypse!


 Photo: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Prepared

If you have any questions or comments about any of the material on the Emergency Preparedness site, or to report a link that doesn't work, please e-mail us or call our office at 304-348-0700.
 


Contact KCHD
108 Lee Street East
Charleston, WV 25301