EMA warns: Don’t rely on storm sirens

RUSSELLVILLE — Franklin County EMA Director Mary Glass said outdoor warning sirens should not be residents’ primary alert system during severe weather because electronic systems can fail, even after testing and repairs.

“We tell everybody, do not depend on these sirens,” Glass said. “They need three forms of communication — television, cell phones and a weather radio.”

Glass said outdoor warning sirens were installed years ago when weather radios and cell phones were not as common, but they are no longer considered a dependable first line of warning, especially during overnight storms.

She said outdoor warning sirens are meant to alert people who are outside and are not designed to be heard indoors.

“Most of our storms hit at night when you’re asleep, and unless you live right near a siren, that’s not going to wake you up,” she said.

Instead, Glass urged residents consider using the following severe weather alerts:

• NOAA weather radio

• Wireless emergency alerts on cell phones

• weather.gov or mobile. weather.gov Glass said Franklin County agencies regularly distribute weather radios to residents and will program the radios before handing them out.

She also said some counties, including Cherokee County, have moved away from outdoor warning sirens altogether and instead provided weather radios for residents.

Glass said a new siren can cost between $28,000 and $30,000, while repairs often run from $4,000 to $5,000 per unit.

She said the county has dealt with repeated repairs and recurring problems even after replacing parts.

“It’s a revolving cycle that’s never going to end,” she said.