Arkansas City Considers Eliminating Tornado Sirens

City officials in Prairie Grove in Washington County are considering eliminating the city’s three sirens that are used to warn residents of dangerous weather – including tornadoes.

Administrative services director Larry Oelrich says the sirens are 14-years-old and would cost $15,000 to $20,000 to replace. He said two of the sirens no longer rotate when activated because of broken parts.

Mayor Sonny Hudson told the Northwest Arkansas Times that some residents say they can’t hear the sirens.

Washington County Department of Emergency Management deputy director Rick Johnson says he’s researching the purchase of a countywide mass communication system. Such a system could notify residents of potentially severe weather by telephone, email and texting.