We’ve gotten several calls about tornado sirens this morning. Some from the media, some from residents. For those who are not aware, about 5:30 AM Summit County was placed under a tornado warning by the National Weather Service. I believe Macedonia was named specifically as an area where the “storm of interest” was tracking. Callers have questioned do we have tornado sirens and did we set off our tornado siren. I’ll admit I’m not an authority on tornado sirens but having been in this business for over 27 years I do know several things about them.
First, tornado sirens are meant to be heard by people outside only! They were never intended to be heard inside a house or building. Yes, some Cities have very loud sirens that can be heard inside depending on your location but strictly speaking they are to be heard outside only. Second, Macedonia has one tornado siren by the old fire station that hasn’t been used in years. If activated it would only be heard by a handful of people. Third, installing tornado sirens that could be heard by the entire City would cost millions of dollars. We looked into this years ago. Even if we did have sirens throughout the City seen my first point. Forth, tornado sirens are old technology. I was in dispatch this morning when the tornado warning was issued. Everyone’s smart phone went off notifying us a tornado warning was issued. For those without smart phones for the cost of about $30 a weather radio will do the same thing.
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