The Siren Board

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.