Jonesborough approves downtown emergency alert system with high-decibel siren and localized text-to-talk units

Jonesborough’s Board of Aldermen voted to install a multilayer emergency alert system for downtown that pairs a powerful central siren with smaller localized units and a text-to-talk capability tied to National Weather Service triggers. The system is intended to improve warnings for special events, severe weather and downtown incidents.

Mayor Wolf told the board the system would modernize warning tools and allow more precise, zone-based alerts than the town’s older, manually operated siren. Matt Rice, who presented the plan, said the proposal combines a main rotational siren for townwide emergencies and smaller 100-dB units for downtown coverage that also support voice broadcasts triggered by text or automated feeds from weather or public-safety sources. “It’s a multifaceted alert system,” Rice said, describing the ability to notify defined downtown zones during special events or to broadcast a localized warning tied to a specific quarter-mile strike from the National Weather Service.

Why it matters: officials said the capability gives first responders and event managers a way to alert people outside or in public spaces without broadcasting to the entire county. Staff also said the town can add phone- or opt-in-based reverse-911 capabilities later, though that feature was not part of the initial system purchase and would require additional work to implement.

Technical and safety note: staff warned the board that the primary rotational electromagnetic siren is extremely loud—about 130 decibels—and that prolonged exposure could cause hearing damage. Director Ford discussed alternate siting to achieve more even coverage and reduce risk near the senior center; smaller units operate at roughly 100 dB, comparable to a train horn, and are intended for localized downtown use.

Council approval and next steps: Alderman Dixon moved to approve the purchase and deployment plan and the motion passed on roll call. Staff said they will proceed with the selected vendor, finalize siting (including consideration of the old Maple Long water tank for improved coverage) and pursue potential cost-sharing or coordination with Washington County EMA.

The board recorded no dissenting motion during the roll call. The project is expected to move to implementation and further discussion of citizen opt-in notification options is forthcoming.