Tuesday, March 07, 2000
Deerfield Twp. installing 5 sirens
BY KEVIN ALDRIDGE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
DEERFIELD TWP. — Township residents can expect to hear the wail of tornado sirens should a funnel cloud thunder through the Tristate again this spring.
Five sirens will be placed throughout this township of about 20,000 to offer the most complete coverage in residential areas. A $7,000 grant from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, plus $65,000 in local money, will enable the township to install the sirens.
Deerfield Township Deputy Fire Chief Nathan Bromen said the sirens should provide communitywide coverage for tornadoes and other emergencies. They will be installed March 14-17.
“We are very pleased that we were able to get these devices in time for spring,” said Deputy Chief Bromen. “Though they are only intended to be outdoor warning devices, the sirens will provide greater protection for all the people of Deerfield Township.”
But township officials pointed out that sirens are only one part of an emergency commu nications network to help keep residents safe. Deputy Chief Bromen said residents also need to have weather radios, listen to television and radio during waking hours and while in vehicles, have a family emergency plan and have emergency supplies on hand.
Township trustees began pursuing warning sirens after a twister swept through the Tristate last April, killing four people and costing millions in damage. In Deerfield Township, the tornado destroyed five homes, damaged 70 others and caused about $1.5 mil lion in damage.
In October, trustees agreed to spend the $65,000 for its own sirens. The township had been relying on on sirens in Mason and Hamilton County, most of which are within earshot of Deerfield's residential and commercial areas.
April's tornado sounded an alarm of a different kind in several Tristate communities that did not have early warning systems in place.
Butler's Union Township led the way in rectifying that by ordering 11 sirens. Then, Butler County's emergency management agency asked to bring other municipalities 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 to spend $132,500 for 10 sirens. In October, Trenton City Council agreed to spend $24,000 for that city's first tornado warning system.
Ohio turnout could affect GOP race
Ballot mix of U.S., local seats
Ballots have variety of issues
How news outlets analyze poll results
Ohio may foreshadow GOP nomination
Web sites will post exit-poll data
Finding the strength to go forward
Mardi Gras party is over after neighbors complain
Panel says Carpenter shooting not justified
Panel: Shooting was not justified
Covington's Mardi Gras fat with fun
Carroll set to buy brewery building
County braces for new system
Former officer indicted in killing
County can't afford to cheap out now
Ballet's special show celebrates women
Cammys to praise Pure Prairie League
Compromises needed on Ky. procurement bill
Dayton man faces 17th DUI charge
Deerfield Twp. installing 5 sirens
High level of carbon monoxide in house
Land swap puts kids in new school
Sheriff orders guns locked
Waynesville mayor's asked to quit
Beechwood third-graders celebrate Fat . . . Monday
Dog warden makes plea in theft
Few oppose raising TANK's fare to $1
Judges dismiss Tennessee deadly force lawsuit
Newport mayor uneasy over water bill proposal
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Road widening a relief to fire officials
Study: Ohio proficiency tests cause stress for teachers, students
Theft case ends in plea
GET TO IT
TRISTATE DIGEST
