With the emergence of enhanced technology such as GPS and satellite tracking, today’s weather forecasters can provide far more specific and timely information on storms.
Yet that information is only useful if it is shared with the people who are in harm’s way.
Lowndes County is currently considering a proposal that provides another means of making sure that this information is delivered to residents as soon as possible. Make no mistake, the most critical aspect in saving lives during weather emergencies is getting that information out to the public as soon as possible.
As it stands now, the county’s only means of warning residents of advancing storms is through its siren system. That system doesn’t cover the entire county and, according to Lowndes County E-911 Director Cindy Lawrence, the sirens are not designed to be heard from within a home. In response to those weaknesses the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District is proposing another tool to help get the word out on these storms.
It’s called CodeRED. County and city officials recently met with officials from the other six counties in the GTPDD to learn more about the system. When alerts are issued, the CodeRED system automatically sends warning messages to the phones — both land lines and cellphones — of those in the affected area. Specifically, within three seconds of the National Weather Service drawing a polygon showing the path of a storm, all phones registered in that area will receive an alert. Residents can also set the system up to send notifications to social media accounts.
Given the ubiquitous presence of cell phones, the system is almost certain to be an effective means of notifying people of approaching danger.
Oktibbeha County is unlikely to go in with other GTPDD counties to purchase CodeRED. In 2006 they purchased a similar system called AlertFM, which shares many features with CodeRED but sends alerts to weather radios too.
While we are not in a position to judge the merits of one system over another, we strongly encourage county leaders to look at all options.
The GTPDD estimates a $37,000 price tag for CodeRED if all seven counties participate. That breaks down to 21 cents per household. Consider for a moment: How many things can you purchase for less than a quarter?
In light of the fact that new alert sirens cost the county approximately $45,000 each, this seems like an extremely cost-effective method of alerting citizens living in the path of a storm.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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