Blaring sirens during a period of bad weather are a familiar sound in the summertime. In recent months, concerns have arisen over the health of Ann Arbor's emergency warning system. In response, the city has taken the proper actions and put the system under review. The city must not put off any needed repairs and improvements to the system, which is so vital to Ann Arbor residents and visitors.
The system currently in place has 42 sirens that sound in the event of a tornado sighting in Washtenaw County. The sirens also may sound in the event of community emergencies or attacks on the country. Ideally, the sirens should cover all areas of the city and warn citizens that they should take cover. But the reality of the current system is that not every siren works, and not every part of Ann Arbor is covered by the sound.
The city needs to have an efficient system, particularly given the propensity for tornadoes to strike in Michigan. While not in "Tornado Alley," which largely encompasses the states of the Great Plains, tornadoes are likely to strike anywhere between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains.
As recent history bares out, violent storms do hit the southeastern part of the state fairly often. Just a few weeks ago violent storms tore through Wayne and Macomb counties - storms destructive enough to cause President Bill Clinton to declare the counties disaster areas eligible for federal aid. And an urban setting is no protection: those most recent storms victimized cities including Dearborn, and large cities such as Nashville and Miami have seen tornadoes in recent months as well.
Of course, if a storm is going to hit, it cannot be prevented. But injuries and fatalities can largely be curbed. The conditions that generate tornadoes are well known, and tornadoes can even be spotted with doppler radar. Once the storms are sighted, citizens must be made aware of the danger. The city has expressed doubt that its current system can work well enough to give a proper warning.
Once the city receives a thorough evaluation of its emergency system, it must not allow cost to become an issue. The funding must be found to make Ann Arbor's system efficient and safe - whether repairs to the current system, or the installation of a new, more reliable one is needed.
The city should also look to make the necessary improvements as early as possible. Research has shown that tornadoes are most likely to strike in the early spring, although they do continue throughout the summer and into the fall. By looking into the system's performance now, a new system could be in place for the next season.
And once the city ensures that it has a dependable system in place, the residents and visitors to the area have the duty to heed the system's warning in the event of a storm. Many weather-related injuries and deaths result when people do not obey warnings and use common sense when storms roll in.
The forces of nature can be extremely destructive, and the nation has seen its share of natural disasters in recent years. The City of Ann Arbor shows a strong commitment to its residents by making certain that public safety measures remain up to par. Such commitment sets a fine precedent for future community improvements.
08-10-98
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