North Baltimore OH siren issue

[floor-a-matic]

http://www.sent-trib.com/news/front_pag ... 0065a.html

NORTH BALTIMORE - The village is looking to upgrade its emergency warning system.


At Tuesday's council meeting, Village Administrator Kathy Healy presented a study completed by a firm on the coverage of North Baltimore's tornado sirens.


The study was completed after both residents and council members raised concerns on whether the sirens could be heard around the village, specifically at the Westhaven apartments, where many seniors live.


The village has three tornado sirens. They are located at the fire hall, sewer plant and water plant.


The study presented to council showed three circles signifying the coverage area of the tornado sirens.


"According to this, this is saying 99 percent of the residential area is covered. I don't buy it," said council member Bill Cameron.


Cameron said on an "optimal weather" day, without wind, perhaps the sirens would reach the intended area. But on stormy or windy days, he doubted their reach.


"If we were to be along the outside of the circles, at the edge of these circles... I am guessing, in the middle of the storm, you can't hear this," Cameron said.


"Did we ever consider moving one of these (sirens)?" asked council member Aaron Patterson.


"According to this, we don't need to," Cameron responded.


"We know that's not true," Patterson said.


Council is considering moving one of its tornado sirens to offer better coverage. It is also considering adding a fourth warning siren. Estimates for a new siren are between $10,000 and $20,000, Cameron said.


The village is also considering supplementing its tornado sirens with a "Reverse 911" emergency notification system. The system delivers emergency messages via phone (landline or cell), texts, pagers, fax and e-mail.

Should North Baltimore get a new siren for the western side of town or should they relocate one of their existing sirens?

They currently have the following:
3t22B at N. Main & W. Broadway
2T22B (came from Findlay suburb West Park) located at village park; replaced a Darley dual-headed horizontal siren, which I still own
at E. Broadway & Poe; replaced a Whelen Vortex? around 2000

If NB gets a new siren, what siren should U recommend?
Federal:

Eclipse
508
Modulator

ASC:
T-121
T-128
:P50:

Sentry:
10V
3V8H
20V2T

Or if they relocate, which siren should be moved?
2T22 from village park
2001 from Broadway & Poe

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT WORK FOR NOR AM AFFILIATED WITH WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, VILLAGE OF NORTH BALTIMORE OHIO OR SENTINEL-TRIBUNE NEWSPAPER

[Brendan Ahern]

If they add a new siren they either have to put it out for bid and select the most competitive bid. Or they would have to waive bidding and go with Federal since they have Federal gear. I would say they would be better off adding an additional siren. You can never have to much coverage. Either a 2001 or a 508. 2001 would be a little cheaper.

[floor-a-matic]

Another article from Sentinel-Tribune:
http://www.sent-trib.com/news/front_pag ... e7e7c.html

[Valra Bellkeys]

I agree. I think they should go with something Federal, since their equipment is already optimized for their sirens. I say the 508, it has a deeper pitch, resulting in the sound to travel farther. I am not speaking from my inner siren lover "Oh get thunderboltzzz, they shouldn't get new sirens".. yeah, not that at all... I suggest a 508.

[Daniel]

I'd recommend an omnidirectional siren.