Civil Defense Warning: Is your community prepared?
In the wake of the recent tragedies of September 11, many municipalities across the country are looking closely at vulnerabilities for attack within their own communities. One topic that comes up in almost every possible scenario is how to warn residents in the event of an emergency.
During World War II and the cold war that followed it, many communities relied on sirens to alert residents of an impending attack. In later years, this civil defense or CD function was either eliminated, or used for notification of hazardous situations. Severe weather warning, nuclear power plants, chemical manufacturing facilities, and mines are such examples.
Now that the topic of using sirens to alert residents of an emergency has been revisited, here are some points that should be considered before putting a CD system into use:
CD sirens should adequately cover the area to be warned. Dead spots (areas where the sirens aren't readily heard) should be addressed. Keep in mind that a larger siren at the center of the area to be warned isn't always the best solution.
It's acceptable to use an existing fire siren for CD warning. However, the siren must sound a different wail pattern than the one that sounds for a fire. This usually requires modification or replacement of the existing siren controller. Ideally, the siren should sound for one cycle, approx. 3 to 5 minutes in length.
When putting a CD siren into use, the community must be notified. They should be told about the new CD system, what to listen for when it is activated, and what to do when they hear it. This may include a pre-planned course of action for residents, or to just tune to their local radio of television station for further instructions. Testing of the CD system at least once a year (preferably twice) is also recommended; first to make sure that it is working, and secondly, so that the residents continue to be aware of its presence.
Air horn warning systems are usually not the best method of warning residents for CD situations; a siren should be considered.
Siren activation during power and other infrastructure failures should also be considered. There are many battery-backed siren systems available today, or a backup generator can be used with older AC operated sirens. Remote sirens can be controlled via hard-wire from the dispatch point, or via wireless control, eliminating the need for these wires. Solar power is also available for sirens in extremely remote areas.
Lastly, with advances in technology, there are now electronic warning sirens that can also be used to broadcast live voice announcements, which can eliminate confusion as to what action to take when the sirens are activated.
At Audiotech, we are committed to helping answer your civil defense questions to enable you to make the smartest choice based upon your community's needs.
As a result, we would be happy to help recommend a specific CD siren system for your needs. There is no charge for this consultation. Here's what you need to do:
Write us a letter describing your community, it's size, and the type of warning you are looking to provide (i.e. chemical spill, severe weather, attack, etc.). Be sure to include your name, address, e-mail, and a telephone number where you can be reached.
Tell us if you have an existing siren system that you would like incorporated into a CD system (i.e. siren being used by the fire department, etc.)
Enclose a map of your community (topographical preferred).
Once we receive these items, we'll make an evaluation for a system for your community which will then be submitted for your review.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.