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Plainfield council advances county-funded plan to install seven emergency sirens across the city
Summary
Council authorized a county-funded contract not to exceed $495,739.24 to install a seven-siren early-warning system that the city says will add an audible layer (about 80 decibels in most areas) to existing text alerts; officials discussed coverage, testing and accessibility for hearing-impaired residents.
The Plainfield City Council advanced a proposal to deploy a citywide emergency warning siren system under a service agreement with JCT Solutions, funded by a Union County grant and presented to the council as carrying no direct cost to city taxpayers.
Communications & Technology Director (Speaker 11) said the proposed service agreement with JCT Solutions would not exceed $495,739.24 and would deliver seven sirens across Plainfield. JCT representatives described each device as covering roughly a one-mile radius, with multiple selectable sounds and the ability to play recorded messages that can instruct residents on whether to evacuate or shelter in place. The system will integrate with the city’s emergency communications infrastructure, allow remote activation and include diagnostics and coverage mapping to guide siting.
During Q&A, council members asked about operational control, false-alarm messaging, testing, and whether the system ties into existing reverse-911 or text-notification services. JCT said the siren network is a separate layer from the city’s Nixle/SMS alerts; it is designed to audibly warn people who may not see a text message, such as drivers. City staff said the system will be operated by trained city personnel with JCT available for troubleshooting.
Council members and public commenters raised concerns about accessibility for hearing-impaired residents. The vendor and staff said the sirens can broadcast recorded messages and the city will continue to use text and SMS alert systems (e.g., Nixle) in parallel; the communications department said it would develop an education campaign and pre-deployment tests to explain sounds and procedures to residents.
The council signaled consensus to add the item to the voting meeting; staff noted the county allowed repurposing grant funds originally intended for a different project so Plainfield could meet the calendar-year financing window.
