Free Weather Radios Handed Out to Kansas Town Residents

A small central Kansas town is handing out free weather radios to its 300 homes and businesses because its tornado siren doesn’t work.

Chase officials say they are concerned that they have no way to warn residents if a tornado was headed toward the Rice County town.

Mayor Tom Kizzar says the siren didn’t work when it was tested earlier this month.

A repair crew is scheduled to arrive soon to determine the problem with the 50-year-old siren. KWCH-TV reports if the siren needs to be replaced, it will cost more than $30,000.

The weather radios cost the town about $8,000. The radios will keep the town compliant with federal regulations, meaning Chase would qualify for disaster assistance if it is ever needed.