A test of the Miami County storm sirens recently revealed that a siren in Bucyrus didn’t work. A technician was immediately called to the scene, and it was determined that the siren took a direct hit from lightning, completely frying all equipment. The power surge damaged the equipment beyond repair. It could cost Miami County more than $30,000 to replace. The county currently has $20,000 in the emergency management budget.
In the meantime, with severe weather expected across the area the next few days, the Miami County Sheriff’s office says if there is a tornado warning, a deputy will be dispatched to the Bucyrus area and use the vehicle’s emergency siren to notify residents. They will drive around looking for people who are outdoors warning them to get inside. One reminder– storm sirens are designed to warn people who are outside, not those inside. Everyone is encouraged to use a weather radio and sign up for Miami County’s emergency notification system called Everbridge. You can sign up by going to the Miami County website and follow the links.
