Jail siren was tested yearly, now it will be monthly

When St. Clair County opened its new $4 million jail in 1971, it suffered its first escape after just a few weeks. Neighbors insisted on some kind of warning system.

An escape siren was installed, and it has been tested once a year. That changes Tuesday.

The state now requires the siren to be tested once a month. It will sound at 10 a.m. Tuesday and at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month, jail Superintendent Maj. Phillip McLaurin said.

If it sounds other than at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday, it means orange is the new free and to lock your doors because there’s an inmate on the lam.

This story was originally published September 27, 2017 at 3:47 PM with the headline "Jail siren was tested yearly, now it will be monthly."