New El Reno Warning Sirens Keep Citizens Advised

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

EL RENO, Oklahoma -- Replacing old warning sirens in El Reno will not only help warn citizens there but also in a town an hour away.

Sitting on top of the El Reno Fire Station is a new electronic siren and system that will eventually replace all 10 of the old sirens in town.

"Eight of those are in excess of 50 years old. They're all mechanical type," said El Reno Fire Chief Kent Lagaly.

The old system was often affected by weather conditions, but the new system will be heard a mile away.

Thanks to a grant from FEMA and Oklahoma Emergency Management, the new siren can send out more than just storm warnings. The multi-purpose system can vocally warn residents in cases of emergencies and possible Amber Alerts.

"We're hoping that this will allow us to do the voice transmission ahead of time. So, we don't want to cry wolf too much because people get complacent," Lagaly said.

El Reno has donated their old sirens to the city of Tryon, which has been struggling with its two sirens.

"One of them works part of the time and part of times it doesn't, so it's a very big need for our town," said Weldon Knowlton, Tryon Emergency Management.

The sirens will be a big help to warn Tyron's 600 citizens of severe weather.

"It's a big relief for me because our resources are limited and we can't always warn people of danger," Knowlton said.

Meanwhile, the city of El Reno hope to use their new sirens to keep their citizens advised.

"We want to be able to say ‘hey, there is a possibility so get ready just in case.' Kind of like Gary England does. Be prepared and we'll tell you if you need to get in, that's what we hope we can do with this."

The second siren should be installed in El Reno by the end of the year.

The two new sirens and system cost about $75,000.