Princeton upgrades outdoor warning system
By Donna Barker
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dbarker@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — The city of Princeton and the Princeton Fire Department are continuing its efforts to upgrade its outdoor warning siren system.
On Monday, Princeton Fire Chief John Petrakis said a new upgraded outdoor siren system will be installed Friday at the intersection of Clark Street and Maple Avenue. The intersection is one of seven current outdoor siren locations throughout the city. As the city grows, additional outdoor warning sites may need to be added, he said.
“We are making a continual effort to improve our ability to warn our citizens about emergency situations, so they can get inside and seek shelter,” Petrakis said. “As a city, we are working diligently to ensure our people have adequate warnings to protect themselves and their families.”
The outdoor sirens are not designed to provide notification of severe weather to people inside their homes or businesses, Petrakis said. The outdoor system is intended to warn people who are outdoors to take cover. Once inside, people should turn on a television, a computer or radio for further information, he said.
Petrakis recommended all homes and businesses have NOAA weather radios, especially people in rural areas. The radios are available through various area stores and online.
Considering severe weather situations, Petrakis said Princeton’s outdoor warning sirens are activated when a public safety officer, such as police, fire or EMS personnel, or a trained weather spotter reports seeing a funnel cloud or tornado in or near Princeton. The sirens will also be activated if a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued for the Princeton area by the National Weather Service or for any threatening situation, defined by the Department of Homeland Security, which would have a direct imminent threat to Princeton. The outdoor warning siren would also be activated for any other natural or manmade disaster affecting Princeton, Petrakis said.
The outdoor siren system will not be activated as an "all clear" sign, Petrakis said. That information will be issued through local news media, he said.
As a precautionary measure, the severe weather/ outdoor warning system is tested at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month. Tests will not be conducted if weather is inclimate or official warnings and watches are active, he said.
For additional assistance to the public, Petrakis said he is working on a 30-page guide that covers a wide range of emergency situations and safety preparedness planning. That document will be available within the next few weeks on the city’s Web page, and copies will also be available at the fire department, he said.
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