Brunswick, Ga: Tornado Sirens Silent

While there is no clear indication that Brunswick, GA, has tornado sirens, the city did experience a tornado in May 2024. The state of Georgia has multiple methods of alerting citizens of tornado warnings, including the NOAA Weather Radio, county alert systems, television stations, AM/FM radio, smartphone applications, and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).

Glynn County, Georgia, does not have tornado sirens

Jay Wiggins, director of the Glynn County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, has stated that there has been "a lot of debate about tornado sirens". He acknowledges that they are a "great tool in the toolbox for alerting people", but also underlines the fact that they are very expensive. Indeed, the cost of purchasing and installing tornado sirens can be significant, with Chatham County, Georgia, paying around $25,000 per siren, excluding maintenance expenses.

While Glynn County lacks tornado sirens, it does have a system called Thor Guard in some parks, which provides advance warning of thunderstorms. Additionally, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center within the county has its own siren. Officials in Glynn County must rely on other methods to alert the public about tornadoes and severe weather events.

It is worth noting that warning siren policies can vary from county to county. Some counties, like Cherokee County, have a limited number of siren sites that do not cover the entire area. In general, outdoor warning sirens are most useful for alerting people who are outside their homes, in parks, or in shopping areas. However, it is recommended to have multiple methods for receiving severe weather alerts, such as NOAA Weather Radio, local television and radio stations, smartphone applications, or Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).

Sirens are expensive to install and maintain

The upfront cost of purchasing and installing tornado sirens is high. In Glynn County, Georgia, for example, the county paid around $25,000 to purchase and install each of its 62 sirens. This amounts to a total of $1,550,000. In another instance, a siren system in Kent County was quoted to cost around $30,000 per pole, with an additional $300 monthly maintenance fee.

The cost of installing tornado sirens is further exacerbated by the fact that they need to be placed in multiple locations to be effective. In the case of Kent County, it was determined that at least five poles would be required for an effective siren system. The cost of installation is also dependent on the population density of the area. Sirens may be less effective in rural areas, and the lower population density means fewer people are served by each siren.

In addition to the upfront costs, tornado sirens also incur maintenance expenses. In Greene County, it costs $564 per year to inspect, maintain, and repair each siren. For the county's four sirens, they paid $2,000 in total for maintenance in 2023.

The high costs of installing and maintaining tornado sirens have led some communities to opt for alternative warning systems. With advancements in technology, other methods such as smartphone applications, text alerts, and social media are becoming more popular for disseminating severe weather alerts. These methods are often more cost-effective and can reach a wider audience, especially in areas with high smartphone usage.

Despite the high costs, some officials argue that tornado sirens are worth the investment. They serve as an important tool for alerting people outdoors, in parks, or shopping areas, who may not have immediate access to other forms of warnings. In the event of a tornado or severe weather, having multiple warning systems in place can help ensure the safety of the community.

Population density affects the effectiveness of tornado sirens

The effectiveness of tornado sirens is influenced by population density, with higher population densities generally resulting in greater effectiveness. This is because sirens are intended to alert people to imminent danger and require immediate reactions. In areas with higher population densities, there are more people who can hear the sirens and take appropriate actions.

However, there are also cases where population density can decrease the effectiveness of tornado sirens. This is because sirens may not reach everyone, especially in rural or sparsely populated areas. Additionally, people in densely populated areas may become desensitized to the sirens if they are tested frequently or used for non-emergency purposes.

To improve the effectiveness of tornado sirens, it is recommended to complement the sound of sirens with clear and unified messages and improve public education on different alert tools and expected behaviors during emergencies. Authorities should also consider using multiple alert methods, such as mobile phone applications, social media, and television and radio stations, to reach a wider audience.

People may become desensitised to the sirens

While outdoor warning sirens are an important part of the overall warning system, they are not meant to be the primary means of receiving tornado warnings. They are designed to alert those who are outdoors and may not have access to other forms of warning, such as TVs, radios, or cellphones.

However, one of the reasons why tornado sirens are not more widely used is that people may become desensitised to them. If people hear the sirens regularly, they may get used to them and not react with the urgency they need to. As Jay Wiggins, director of the Glynn County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, says, "I'm not pro- or con-siren. I think they're a great tool, but people can become immune to them because we would have to test them weekly."

Indeed, outdoor warning sirens are meant to be tested regularly. For example, in Boone County, the outdoor warning sirens are tested at noon on the first Wednesday of each month. In Brunswick, siren testing is performed on the first Saturday of every month at noon. Regular testing of the sirens is important to ensure that they are functional in case of an emergency. However, this also means that people may hear the sirens more often, which can lead to desensitisation.

To address this issue, some counties have started moving away from tornado sirens. As Wiggins notes, "A lot of communities are going away from them. Because they're expensive to maintain, they're expensive to install." Instead, officials may rely on other methods to alert the public, such as TV, radio, smartphone applications, or social media. These methods can provide more detailed and up-to-date information about severe weather and may be more effective at reaching people indoors or in remote areas.

It is important for individuals to have multiple methods for receiving severe weather alerts and not rely solely on outdoor warning sirens. By utilising a combination of warning systems, people can stay informed and take appropriate action to protect themselves and their loved ones during severe weather events.

Other methods of warning the public about tornadoes include radio, TV, and smartphone apps

Glynn County, where Brunswick, Georgia is located, does not have tornado sirens. However, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynn County has its own siren.

To alert the public about tornadoes, officials rely on other methods such as radio, TV, and smartphone apps. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use these methods to stay informed and safe during a tornado:

Radio

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues watches and warnings that are broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio and other local radio stations. These stations are required to air Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages. It is recommended to keep a battery-operated radio and extra batteries on hand in case of power outages. Remember to include a NOAA Weather Radio in your tornado emergency kit.

Television

Local and national news stations monitor and broadcast weather alerts. Cable television systems will also have warning information, sometimes on a designated channel. However, satellite television stations do not provide local warnings unless you are watching a local station.

Smartphone Apps

Numerous free and paid smartphone applications are available to notify you of severe weather, including tornadoes. Some apps use GPS tracking on your phone and will send notifications based on your location. One example is the free Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) service provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

In addition to these methods, it is important to stay informed through official social media accounts and websites of local authorities, such as the Glynn County EMA and Homeland Security Facebook page. Knowing the signs of a tornado and staying alert to changing weather conditions can also help you prepare and react quickly.

Frequently asked questions