Work will soon be underway to equip Norman with a new outdoor warning system after the city council approved the building of the sirens, Tuesday.
The warning system is set to cost $2,096,621.40, and will be paid for by bonds voters passed in March. Tom Kovach, city council member, said although the bonds were voted for in 2010, taxpayers will not begin paying on them until 2011 or 2012.
Kovach said he believes the most unique feature the sirens will have is the voice feature. When there is an emergency other than a tornado, the community can be notified quickly through the sirens.
“This would have been very helpful during the OU gas leak last month,” he said.
Three main problems are behind the reasons for the new system: Many sirens are over 40 years old, the majority of east Norman is without coverage and there is no regionalized system, Kovach said.
“If only the west side of Norman is under a tornado warning, right now we are only able to set off the entire system. That alarms the entire city and is unnecessary,” Kovach said.
The siren contractor, Safetycom, assured the city council the project will be complete by spring 2011. Kovach said more than 60 sirens are to be installed and he assures residents on the east side will be protected.
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Soonerland 1 year, 10 months ago
sounds a little like 1984.....