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Emergency Alerts

The fastest way to stay safe during an emergency is to receive alerts.

Grays Harbor Emergency Alerts (text, call, email)

Emergency alerts provide timely information during disasters, severe weather, and other emergencies. Sign up to receive alerts by text, phone, or email so you can act quickly and stay safe.

Wireless Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are messages sent directly to your cell phone during serious emergencies in your area. These alerts are automatic, do not require sign-up, and provide critical information to help you take immediate action.

NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. 

ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning

ShakeAlert is an earthquake early warning system that can send alerts to your phone seconds before shaking begins. These warnings can give you time to drop, cover, and hold on to protect yourself.

StormReady

The StormReady program helps community leaders prepare their communities for severe weather. Severe weather includes thunderstorms, flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, high heat, high winds, and extreme cold weather. Although no community is storm proof, StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives through planning, education, and awareness.

TsunamiReady

TsunamiReady helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen their local operations by being sufficiently prepared to save lives in the event of a Tsunami through better planning, education and awareness. Although no community is tsunami proof, being TsunamiReady can help minimize loss to our community.

Outdoor Warning Sirens (AHAB)

Grays Harbor County has 36 outdoor warning sirens, also called AHAB (All Hazard Alert Broadcast System). These are often known as tsunami sirens.  

They are located along the coast and in cities including Aberdeen, Hoquiam, and Ocean Shores.  

AHAB sirens warn people who are outdoors and nearby. 

They: 

  • Alert you to tsunamis or other emergencies  

  • Provide voice instructions after the alarm  

They are not designed to be heard indoors.  

Sirens can be activated at any time by: 

  • Grays Harbor County Emergency Management  

  • Washington State Emergency Management  

They may be used for: 

  • Tsunami warnings  

  • Hazardous material incidents  

  • Other emergencies requiring public action

  • Stay calm  

  • Listen to the message  

  • Follow instructions right away  

  • Check local radio or alerts for more information  

  • Do not call 911 unless you have an emergency  

Wait for an “all clear” before returning to affected areas.  

  • First Monday each month at noon: statewide test  

  • Daily: silent system checks  

  • Great ShakeOut (October): full siren test  

Do not call 911 during tests.  

Sirens are only one part of the alert system. Use multiple ways to stay informed: 

  • Sign up for county emergency alerts  

  • Enable wireless alerts on your phone  

  • Use a NOAA Weather Radio (best indoor option)  

Get involved - Volunteers are needed to observe sirens during monthly tests. 

To help, email: ghcdem@graysharbor.us 

Reference Links

National Weather Service
Air Quality Information
Fire Information