Omaha officials discuss replacing outdated sirens with modern notification systems

Douglas County officials are grappling with the future of the county's emergency siren system following a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting on June 10, 2025. The discussion highlighted the aging infrastructure of the sirens, many of which were installed in 2002, and the need for potential replacements or upgrades.

Currently, Douglas County operates a total of 126 sirens, with 83 installed by the county and 18 acquired from smaller communities. The remaining sirens were added by developers over the years. Officials noted that while these sirens are a critical part of the emergency notification system, they are limited in their effectiveness, providing only basic alerts without detailed information about the nature of the danger or instructions for residents.

The conversation also touched on the possibility of transitioning away from a siren-dependent system, a move that some jurisdictions across the country have already undertaken. However, this shift would require a significant investment in alternative technologies and a comprehensive public education campaign, which could take two to three years to implement.

Commissioner Borgeson expressed frustration over the lack of previous discussions regarding alternatives to the siren system, suggesting that earlier conversations could have positioned the county to avoid costly maintenance and replacement expenses now. The urgency of the situation is compounded by the need to address 17 sirens that are currently out of service due to parts shortages.

As budget discussions loom, the county must weigh the costs of maintaining the existing siren system against the potential benefits of exploring more informative and modern notification methods. The commissioners agreed to continue the conversation and consider future strategies for emergency communication in Douglas County.