In 2017, voters approved a 911 surcharge to fund a new public safety radio project for first responders in Eaton County, including upgrading communication systems for outdoor warning sirens in Eaton County.
“Before 2017, central dispatch did not have the capability of activating outdoor warning sirens in the event of a tornado,” 911 Director Michael Armitage said. Before the upgrade, the systems were haphazard, with many communities relying on someone to respond to the fire station to activate a button.
“We know that weather conditions change rapidly and with dispatch being staffed 24/7, it makes sense for us to have this capability to quickly activate sirens remotely,” Armitage said.
The upgraded system also brings additional benefits, Armitage said. “The system has two-way monitoring, so if there is a problem with the siren, we will be alerted of that. We want to do everything possible to identify problems proactively, and not when we are going to activate a siren.”
The system allows dispatch to activate sirens for sections in the county, instead of countywide, in order to prevent sirens being activated in areas that aren’t affected by the dangerous weather. “We do not want to over-alert residents. When sirens sound, you need to find shelter as the threat is imminent for your area,” he said.
In addition to the equipment upgrade, policies have also been updated to reflect best practices. Sirens will be activated for tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service, verified reports of a tornado by spotter/first responder and for severe storms with winds of 80 miles per hour.
There will not be any all clear siren activations. If sirens sound more than once, the threat is still imminent. Sirens will sound for a full three minutes.
Local municipalities are still responsible for the physical sirens, with Eaton County Central Dispatch providing the communication equipment at those siren sites. Participating communities include Bellevue, Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge, Mulliken, Olivet, Potterville, Sunfield, Vermontville and Delta and Hamlin townships.
Countywide monthly testing starts Saturday, March 2 at 1 p.m. and continues year round.
The City of Charlotte did not participate in the program and will operate its siren system, testing at noon on the first Saturday of the month from April through October.
It is also important to consider that sirens are meant to be heard outdoors, not indoors. Eaton County Central Dispatch and Eaton County Emergency Management encourage residents to sign up for Rave Alerts by texting EATON to 67283, or visit our website at eatoncounty911.org, Armitage said.
