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Storm topples Berne-area emergency siren; county, city and EMA to check insurance and test remaining units
Summary
A siren pole at the Berne-area fire department fell during recent storms. County staff said only 10 of the county''s 14 siren locations appear to be covered under the county policy; officials will contact the City of Berne and run tests of remaining sirens before deciding on replacement or relocation.
County emergency-management staff and commissioners discussed a storm-damaged emergency siren at a Berne-area fire station and options for repair, replacement and coverage during the March 18 meeting of the Adams County Board of Commissioners.
What happened: Staff reported that severe storms knocked over the pole and siren at a Berne fire department location and damaged the surrounding chain-link fence. EMA staff said an insurance adjuster reported that only 10 of the county''s 14 siren locations are listed on the county policy; the Berne location that was damaged does not appear to be included under county coverage.
"There are only 10 locations of sirens that are covered by insurance in our county. Out of 14 sirens," Megan told the board, summarizing a call from the county''s adjuster. County staff said the adjuster will continue to review policy options and whether the damaged unit could be recategorized under different coverage.
Next steps: Commissioners and staff agreed to contact the City of Berne and the local fire department to confirm whether the city''s insurance covers the damaged siren and to run tests on the remaining sirens to determine whether outdoor coverage is adequate. Commissioner Steve suggested running tests of the two remaining Berne-area sirens to assess whether the damaged unit needs replacement in the same location.
Costs and options: Staff noted a 2024 vendor quote for a comparable siren head of about $34,000 (Federal Signal quote from 2024) and said additional expense would be required for pole, fence and installation. Commissioners discussed whether newer digital-alert methods (cellphone-based alerts, wireless systems) should factor into any decision about replacing physical sirens. Barb and others noted that sirens are intended to warn people outdoors and that not all residents rely on cell alerts.
Administrative action: Staff agreed to put the matter on the next Emergency Management Agency (EMA) board agenda for further discussion and to contact the City of Berne and the county''s insurance representative for coverage clarification.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to report back after contacting the city insurer and running tests, and to present options at the EMA meeting.
