Harmon Township discusses tornado siren replacement and compatibility; cost estimated $1,000–$1,500

Representatives from Harmon Township described a discussion about installing a remote tornado-warning system and asked for county assistance coordinating the work and funding.

Melanie told the Public Safety Committee that a local contractor who installed Amboy’s remote system estimated a new remote for the township would cost about $1,000 to $1,500. She said the age and compatibility of the township’s existing siren are unknown, and the siren is mounted on a water tower that will be removed and replaced as part of a new well and water tower project; the siren will need relocation within the next two years.

Melanie said she obtained the vendor name (a Braniff company based near Chicago) and plans to set a meeting with the vendor, Amboy’s fire chief, and county participants after May 1 to inspect the siren and discuss compatibility. She said Harmon Township does not yet have a full list of who is financially responsible for the work and that local volunteers and officials intend to “pitch in” to help ensure community safety.

County participants noted that FEMA emergency management funding for some programs is temporarily frozen, but EMA director Kevin Lally (whose name was provided during the meeting) had suggested alternative ideas and would be contacted when he returns from vacation. Melanie said she searched for emergency grants she was given links to but could not find active grant programs specifically for the tornado damage.

Ending: Committee members encouraged Harmon Township to coordinate with county emergency management staff and Amboy officials and to schedule the vendor/site inspection after May 1; no county funding commitment was recorded.