KINGSVILLE –
Tornado sirens are supposed to warn residents when there is dangerous weather approaching. But lots of residents in Kingsville said they did not hear the sirens when two tornadoes moved through the city May 31.
The city has three sirens that are meant to alert people who are outdoors when there is a tornado threat. They’re hooked up to a satellite system that automatically sets them off when a tornado is in the area. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that people can hear them indoors. Those who live in the surrounding Kleberg County likely won’t hear them unless they’re close to town.
“The range is intended to be the city,” said Jesus Garza, Kingsville city manager. “The range of the siren is not intended to reach out to certain areas of the county.”
The system is getting an upgrade. When the sirens sound, they will automatically update area police departments and social media accounts like Facebook and Twitter to notify residents.
As a precaution, the city’s alert system was tested today. The test didn’t turn up any problems but city officials say they are in always in contact with the manufacturer in case any problems come up in the future.
Posted: Jun 06, 2016 6:47 PM EST
Updated: Jun 06, 2016 7:13 PM EST
Photo: KRISTV.COM
