Sand Mountain Reporter

GUNTERSVILLE – The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency is getting ready to install three weather-warning sirens throughout the county.

The new sirens will be placed in Union Grove around Royster Drive,, Kennamer Cove Trading Posts in District 2, and at the intersection of Warrenton Road and Warrenton Shores Drive, according Anita McBurnett, of the Marshall County EMA.

“Outdoor warning sirens are meant to warn people outdoors,” McBurnett, said. “And, as part of their toolbox of weather preparedness, they should not rely solely on the outdoor warning siren. They should include in that tool box a NOAA weather radio to have in their home.”

She also said, during a tornado or after someone has gone to sleep, it may be difficult to hear an outdoor warning siren.

“A good example was our Pleasant Grove tornado that happened a few years back,” McBurnett said. “That occurred at 11:30 at night. The family was very near the siren but with the heavy driving rain that comes with a tornado they couldn’t hear them … because it was drowned out by the noise of a tornado.

“So, that particular family was awakened when their windows blew out, their back door flew open and their attic door dropped down and insulation was blowing around their house.”

McBurnett also said that with Daylight Saving Time around the corner it is a good time for people to change out their batteries in smoke detectors and weather radios.

She also wanted to remind people to take proper precautions when there is severe weather.

“Number one, you should check and see if there is the potential for severe weather overnight,” she said. Number two, you ought to have that NOAA weather radio, have it programmed, have it right next to your bed, and be prepared to take flight or take action if it goes off.”

Share | Save | Mail | Print | Letter

Follow the Reporter on Twitter:

SMR News and
SMR Sports

Serving Albertville and the Sand Mountain region

Publisher: Ben Shurett

1603 Progress Drive
Albertville, Alabama 35950

Tel: 256-840-3000 | Email

A Southern Newspapers publication.