ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. — Ahead of severe weather expected Thursday, Allegan County officials are warning residents that the outdoor warning sirens in the southeast portion of the county are currently not working.
During the monthly siren test on June 7, officials found that the sirens in that area did not go off as they should have.
They've been looking into what caused the failure and said they traced it to the Otsego VHF equipment site.
"TeleRad is actively working to identify and resolve the problem," read a statement from Allegan County Emergency Management (ACEM). "However, due to the complexity of the issue, a definitive timeline for restoration of the sirens' functionality is currently unavailable."
Thursday afternoon is expected to bring severe weather, 13 ON YOUR SIDE meteorologists have been tracking the incoming storms. You can find the latest forecast at wzzm13.com/weather.
In light of the incoming weather, ACEM said officials are taking precautionary measures and issuing the following advisory to the public:
Residents in the affected areas are advised that the outdoor warning sirens may not be operational during the potential upcoming severe weather event. While some areas have the capability for manual activation, it is recommended that individuals have multiple methods for receiving emergency notifications. Allegan County understands the importance of timely and effective warning systems, particularly in the face of severe weather threats. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all residents, and we are working diligently to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.
Allegan County Emergency Management urges residents to stay informed and prepared by:
- Monitoring local news and weather updates.
- Having multiple communication channels, such as NOAA Weather Radio and mobile alert apps, to receive emergency notifications.
ACEM said updates on the status of the outdoor warning sirens will be provided as new information becomes available.
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