Warren County purchases new storm sirens

WARREN COUNTY, Ky. – In the midst of the severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings last night, Warren County Fiscal Court voted to approve the purchase of two new COWS, or County Outdoor Warning Sirens, to put around the county.

Warren County Fiscal Court will spend $70,020 to purchase these two new siren systems. As the county grows, it is important to keep up with the warnings systems that let us all know when a tornado warned storm is heading in our direction. As of right now, it is unknown where exactly in the county these new sirens will be placed, but one is projected to go somewhere in the Smiths Grove community.

Warren County judge executive Doug Gorman says that both he and the rest of the fiscal court are committed to protecting the residents of Warren County as the population continues to rise.

“We want people to stay safe and we continue to get more of these storms pop up. So, we want to have 100% coverage throughout this entire county. And this fiscal court is committed to having that happen. And so, we’re continuing to buy these,” Gorman said.

Gorman said that as the county grows in population, more of these sirens will be needed, purchased and spread out through the entire county. Originally, only one siren was set to be purchased this year, but the county bought the second one due to cost purposes. Gorman also mentioned they will be looking at where the county is seeing the most population growth, what parts of the county need better coverage and the range of the sirens themselves. It is not known when exactly the sirens will be up and ready to serve the community, but Gorman said it will take a little while.

Gorman also issued a warning, saying these sirens are for residents who are outside during the imminent severe weather and that, while they are loud, you may not be able to hear the sirens inside your home or business. Gorman recommends everyone acquire a weather radio to use one during severe weather as they are more reliable to alert you of possible dangerous storms while indoors.