by Jason M. Rodriguez
Pharos-Tribune
LOGANSPORT —
Logansport’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved a new policy Thursday for the activation of emergency sirens.
“When we’re placed in a warning by the National Weather Service or if there is a tornado on the ground is when the siren will go off,” said Alvin Beckman, director of Cass County Emergency Management Agency. “It eliminates any confusion.”
A watch means severe weather is possible during a given period, while a warning means that severe weather has been observed or is expected soon, according to the National Weather Service.
Cass County commissioners approved the policy late last year.
The county has 26 severe weather sirens, and for years, there has been confusion as to when they should be activated.
During the summer of 2007, tornado warnings were issued for Cass and surrounding counties, and no sirens were triggered.
In November, severe storms swept through the county, prompting Beckman to trigger the alarms twice, though four tornado warnings were issued by the National Weather Service.
Beckman has been working on the new siren policy since May.
“When you hear the warnings, it’s going to be up to you to decide what you want to do,” he said.
• Jason M. Rodriguez is news editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at 574-732-5117 or jason.rodriguez@pharostribune.com.
