We are aware of the tornado sirens not being operable. They haven’t been functional in a number years. We have gotten multiple quotes and will continue to pursue other options in the future either to repair or replace the sirens. These quotes have ranged to upwards of $300,000 not including $35,000 per year maintenance.
Tornado sirens are typically for those who are very close or outside which is why the county currently utilizes CodeRed Mass Notification. Please take the time to sign up for this service.
Going forward, in the event of a tornado warning, the Fordyce Fire Department will sound their siren at the station 3 times to indicate a tornado warned storm.
A person commented on the Facebook asking if the OEM has looked into grant funding for the sirens.
OEM responded back: Yes ma’am. We have been researching this for a while and are weighing all options. We are always writing grants here at the OEM. However, a lot of federal grants such as the BRIC grant require a federally approved hazard mitigation plan, which Dallas County’s expired 2 years ago. We have submitted a grant to have it rewritten. With the federal cutbacks, they have halted most, if not all, grant programs relating to this and it has increased response times on grants significantly. We are still awaiting a response on if we would be awarded the grant to have one written.
The plans cost $35,000 to upwards of $60,000+ and it takes a significant amount of time for the plan to be drafted then approved by state and federal officials.
