The Township of Kalamazoo has a total of nine pole-mounted emergency warning sirens. There is one siren at each of the four fire stations and five additional sirens located within the township. The sirens located at the fire stations were installed in the 1960’s and the five additional sirens located within the township were donated by the Palisades Power Plant in 2004 after about fifteen years of service at their original location.
Due to the age of the emergency warning sirens, there are currently no parts available and all temporary maintenance options to keep the warning sirens in a working and reliable condition have been exhausted. The cost to replace the nine pole-mounted warning sirens is approximately $250,000. This figure does not include placing any additional sirens that are needed to provide for a more inclusive coverage of Kalamazoo Township.
After much research and many discussions, it has been determined that the best course of action is to discontinue the use of the emergency warning sirens within the Township of Kalamazoo. This decision was mainly based on the availability of newer technologies in long range weather forecasting and early alert warning programs currently available with cell phones, computers and commercially available weather alert receivers.
As the Township moves from the use of the emergency warning sirens, residents should take the time to become more familiar with planning ahead for disasters. The increased push for family preparedness is an important first step to assist with the recovery of our community in the event of a disaster. The Department of Homeland Security manages a website that was developed to provide citizens with the tools training and information that is needed to become more prepared. Please visit www.ready.gov for more information on disaster preparedness and early emergency warning programs available to you. As we near the end of 2018, more emergency preparedness information and local resources will be highlighted on the township website.
Weather radios are now available for purchase at our cost, at Kalamazoo Township for $25.
