Testing Planned For Ellicott City's Safe And Sound Outdoor Tone Alert System

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — On Tuesday, there will be a test of Howard County's Ellicott City Safe and Sound Outdoor Tone Alert System.

Testing will start around 9:30 a.m. and will wrap up by noon. The entire system will be tested, officials noted, including activating several “Silent Tests” (i.e., short high-pitched bursts), Flash Flood Warnings, and “All Clear” messages.

At 9:30 a.m., the testing will begin with an announcement that “This is a test.” Between 9:30 a.m. and noon, each test will last several seconds to up to three minutes. Once all testing is complete at noon, a voice message stating: “This concludes testing of the Historic Ellicott City Outdoor Tone Alert System. Testing is now complete" will be heard.

Should the testing on March 18 be cancelled due to inclement weather, testing will be rescheduled to Friday, March 21, during the same timeframe.