EATON COUNTY, Mich. — Voters in Eaton County approved in 2017 a 911 surcharge that included upgrading communications systems for outdoor warning sirens.
Authorities say this means implementing a new and faster warning system when severe weather strikes.
Instead of a long process, these sirens respond quicker and are more effective.
"We will immediately from dispatch send out a signal basically to all the sirens in that area. One of the things with this new system is that we are not going to set off all the sirens if it does not pertain to the whole county," said Michael Armitage, director of Eaton County Central Dispatch.
He says the goal is not to over-alert people.
The sirens will be used mainly for weather emergencies.
"So they will be activated if the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning. If there is a spotter that sees a tornado in the county or if there are winds in a severe weather storm that are 80 miles an hour or greater," said Armitage.
Delta Township Fire Chief Gregory Ginebaugh says people will have more time to find cover during the severe weather with the new system.
"What they used to do is they would send out a tone for a specific fire department. Somebody on call would respond to their fire station and manually push a button to trigger the tornado sirens," said Ginebaugh.
Officials say the sirens are meant to be heard outdoors, not inside.
They also suggest that you sign up for their free emergency alert system. You can do thathere.
There are 10 communities in Eaton County that are covered by the new system.
They include Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge and Potterville. Charlotte has its own system that is not included as part of this upgrade.
