GREENVILLE, Miss.–Fewer than a third of the outdoor warning sirens are working properly in Washington County. Repairs have begun to get them in shape.
“Repairs are continuing. We have six now in service with parts ordered for 14 more,” said Jame Stewart, deputy Emergency Management director for the county. at Monday’s Board of supervisors meeting.
He said the main problem is the antiquated charging system.
“Some of our sirens, hopefully, won’t have to take as many batteries because each siren takes four car batteries,” he said. “The chargers are old-style chargers and they work independently, charging one battery.”
Some sirens have been upgraded and work with two batteries and a solar panel, giving them more life and cutting down on charging time.
Stewart said the radio signals that activate them also have a tough time reaching the sirens.
Repair personnel are coming each day from Columbus, and are also servicing sirens in other counties. It was unclear when the repairs may be finished.
