Why Learn Alert Tones?
Weather radios use special audio tones to get your attention before important messages. If you hear these tones, you should stop and listen - it could be a life-saving warning!
Click the play buttons below to hear each tone. Make sure your volume is on!
1050 Hz Attention Signal
The main alert tone - a steady high-pitched beep that plays for 8-10 seconds before important weather alerts.
When you hear it: Pay attention! Important weather info is coming.
SAME Digital Burst
A rapid buzzing/chirping sound that carries digital data to activate weather radios automatically.
When you hear it: Your radio is receiving encoded alert data.
End of Message (EOM)
Three short beeps that signal the end of an emergency message. The alert is over.
When you hear it: The emergency broadcast has ended.
Warning Siren Pattern
An ascending/descending siren used by some outdoor warning systems and civil defense alerts.
When you hear it: Seek shelter immediately!
How the Alert System Works
When the National Weather Service issues an alert, here's what happens:
- SAME Header - The digital burst plays 3 times (about 10 seconds total)
- 1050 Hz Attention Tone - The steady beep plays for 8-10 seconds
- Voice Message - The actual weather warning is read by a forecaster or computer voice
- SAME EOM - Three short tones signal "End of Message"
Weather radios with SAME technology will automatically turn on when they detect the digital header for your programmed location!
Can You Identify the Tone?
Listen to a tone and guess which one it is. Get 5 correct to earn your badge!
Test Your Knowledge!
Answer 3 questions correctly to earn your Alert Expert Badge!