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Inclement Weather Task Force recommends pursuing outdoor warning sirens; resolution planned for January
Summary
The town’s inclement weather task force recommends the council approve pursuing a network of outdoor warning sirens after benchmarking visits to neighboring municipalities; members reported unanimous support and said American Signal Corporation offered to cover the cost of one of two needed sirens.
The Mount Airy Inclement Weather Task Force reported results from benchmarking visits and recommended the town pursue a limited outdoor warning siren system, with a formal resolution to be introduced to the council in January.
Council Member Steve Demoter summarized outreach to municipalities that already use sirens and described lessons learned on system selection, operations and public education. He said tests in comparable towns typically occur twice per year with public notice; the task force found broad public acceptance in the municipalities they visited. Members benchmarked La Plata, Emmitsburg, Ellicott City, College Park and Calvert County examples and noted lessons about procurement, operation and community outreach.
Demoter said the task force voted unanimously to proceed and that American Signal Corporation offered to cover the cost of one of the two sirens the town believes it needs. He also said Carroll County commissioners indicated possible assistance through community reinvestment or other county funds.
The task force requested a January council agenda item: a resolution authorizing pursuit of weather alert sirens and related outreach. Council members thanked the task force for its work and asked staff to draft the resolution and supporting budget implications for the January meeting.
