Kane County DOT asks Campton Hills to consider tornado sirens for outlying neighborhoods

A Kane County Department of Transportation official urged the Campton Hills board on Feb. 18 to explore installing tornado sirens in parts of the village where outdoor warnings are difficult to hear.

Michael Wade, identified himself as the maintenance superintendent for KDOT and a local resident, told trustees that recent tornado responses revealed gaps in outdoor warning coverage, especially in his Hedgerow Farms neighborhood. Wade said he monitored county emergency radio and that, in one event last year, the county tracked a tornado roughly two minutes before sirens were activated. “Those two minutes can make a huge difference if we can get a siren installed,” Wade said.

Wade said he and KDOT staff have reviewed topography and identified high points in the area that could provide up to five miles of coverage from a siren. He offered his assistance to village staff and said he would remain after the meeting to exchange contact information.

Trustees did not take formal action during the public comment period. Administrator Rooney or village staff may follow up to evaluate costs, siting, and whether existing county and village warning systems or cell-based alerts would alter the need for new sirens.

Ending

Wade left business cards and asked the board to consider and investigate siren installation; no vote or commitment was recorded at the Feb. 18 meeting.