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Adams County officials ask EMA for options after Berne tornado siren was knocked down
Summary
County emergency management and commissioners discussed gaps in coverage after a tornado siren near Berne was damaged, reviewed a Federal Signal study showing limited coverage from the two existing sirens, and directed EMA staff to return with a specific, costed recommendation and coverage options.
Adams County commissioners and emergency management staff on March 20 discussed options after a tornado siren just past the Berne Fire Station was damaged and removed.
A Federal Signal study shared with county staff found “significant under coverage” with the two sirens in their current locations, and the company proposed running a model showing how repositioning existing sirens or adding equipment would change coverage. County EMA staff said Federal Signal’s Wendy Justice will prepare a follow-up analysis and a price quote for options including repositioning the two existing units and replacing the damaged siren.
The discussion focused on who is responsible for replacement and how to pay for it. Commissioners and EMA staff said the county’s current equipment-repair line (about $4,400) and emergency contingency (about $3,500) are far below the likely replacement cost. Staff reported the county does not have all sirens listed on the county’s capital asset register and that several county sirens were not insured before the recent damage; staff said they have begun steps to insure the remaining units.
EMA staff and commissioners also reviewed grant prospects and policy limits. Staff said federal grants for sirens are tightly constrained: grants typically require sirens to be used for civil defense or hazardous-incident warning (not just weather) and often require additional signaling capability. Commissioners noted that requirement has limited grant options in prior years.
Commissioners asked EMA staff to gather more information and return with a clear recommendation. That requested package should include Federal Signal’s updated coverage study, cost estimates for replacement or repositioning, a review of alternative alerting methods (text, phone, social media), and comparative examples from nearby counties. The board directed EMA to consult district peers and prepare a recommendation that can be taken to the commissioners or presented at a special meeting if needed.
County staff and commissioners also cited community feedback: an Amish resident told staff that sirens remain an important warning tool for people without smartphones. Commissioners said such usage is a factor in weighing costs and alternative systems.
EMA staff said they will seek the Federal Signal follow-up study and additional district information and return with a recommendation for the commission to consider.
