Saturday, October 30, 1999
Tornado warning system on order
Middletown applies for radio frequency for sirens
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — The city's tornado sirens should be ready to wail if severe weather strikes the area next spring.
Middletown has applied for a radio frequency to use to activate the sirens, and about two months after that's granted the sirens should be delivered, said Fire Chief John Sauter.
“We want them up in time so we can educate the people in Middletown what to do when they hear a siren before the next tornado season begins,” Chief Sauter said.
The 10 sirens will be strategically placed throughout this city of about 55,000, to offer the most complete coverage in residential areas.
“This will improve the level of service to residents, as long as they know what to do when they hear the sirens,” the chief said. “I'll be happy when they're installed. It's been a long process getting there.”
During Tuesday's city commission meeting, Chief Sauter will present an update on the status of the city's emergency preparation, and how the tornado sirens will be incorporated into that, said Susan Davis, assistant city manager.
That will include spelling out the conditions under which the tornado sirens will be activated — either by a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service, or if a tornado is sighted by a trained public safety official.
Chief Sauter will give an update on the city's emergency operations center, set up in a room adjacent to the police department with communications equipment, disaster plans and check lists to help the manage ment staff make decisions and provide direction in an emergency, Ms. Davis said.
“We've had two table top exercises this year to further prepare the extended management staff,” she said. “The tornado sirens are a piece of a community's preparation for emergencies such as a tornado.”
But Ms. Davis and other city officials stress that the city cannot provide everything needed to keep residents safe in an emergency.
“Individuals have a responsibility to be prepared — to have weather radios and supplies to survive an emergency,” Ms. Davis said.
The need for sirens, and their effectiveness, have been debated here for more than 20 years.
After the April twister that swept through northeastern Hamilton County, killing four people and costing millions in damage, discussions heated up in neighboring communities.
Union Township led the way in recent months by ordering 11 sirens. Then Butler County's emergency management agency asked to bring other munici palities into a deal with an Illinois company to buy sirens in bulk. Liberty Township bought seven, Oxford ordered one to add to the city's six, and Monroe bought one to add to the four there. Fairfield bought four earlier this year.
In late September, Middletown City Commissioners agreed unanimously to spend $132,500 for 10 sirens. But commissioners and city officials pointed out that sirens are only one part of an emergency communications network to help keep residents safe. Residents also need to have a weather radio, listen to television and radio during waking hours and while in vehicles, have a family emergency plan and have emergency supplies on hand.
In early October, Trenton City Council agreed to spend $24,000 for that city's first tornado warning system.
In Warren County, Deerfield Township is buying five sirens, and Mason City Council agreed recently to buy a ninth siren.
“When we test the system and we know it's operational, functioning — I'll breathe a sigh of relief,” Chief Sauter said.
PROPOSED LOCATIONS
The proposed sites for Middletown's 10 tornado warning sirens are:
• Near the parking lot of Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon, on old Roosevelt Avenue, just off Ohio 122.
• Behind the State Liquor Store on Lewis Street.
• Near the water tower on Breiel Boulevard.
• Close to the top of the hill on University Boulevard at Breiel Boulevard.
• At Dixie Highway and Manchester Avenue.
• At Verity Parkway and Nelbar Street.
• The junction of University Boulevard and Roosevelt Boulevard.
• At Verity Parkway (Ohio 4) and 18th Avenue.
• The junction of Broad Street and Reinartz Boulevard.
• In the staff parking lot of Middletown Regional Hospital, McKnight Drive.
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