Company offers free fix amid Diehlstadt siren concern
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
DIEHLSTADT, Mo. (KBSI) — Concerns over a tornado siren in Diehlstadt are raising questions about emergency preparedness after a recent storm exposed an issue with the system’s backup power.
The siren itself is operational, but officials say its backup generator may not function during a power outage — a problem that could prevent it from sounding during severe weather.
One resident, Andrew Temrowski, said the issue became clear during a recent storm when conditions quickly turned dangerous.
“We have the siren, we have the means. We have the capability. We want to keep other people safe,” Temrowski said. “And like I keep saying, it’s not just for my little village, it’s for so many people in rural Scott County.”
Temrowski said the power went out as the storm intensified, leaving residents without the added warning the siren is designed to provide.
Emergency officials are aware of the situation. Scott County Emergency Management Director John Scott said he is working with Diehlstadt and surrounding communities to address the issue.
Experts say backup systems are especially critical during fast-moving storms, when warning times can be limited.
“You may only have one or two minutes of lead time,” said Cruz Newberry, owner of Table Rock Alerting Systems, LLC. “It’s in those situations where having a battery backup system really does make sense.”
Newberry said his company is stepping in to help. Table Rock Alerting Systems is offering to provide the necessary equipment and labor at no cost to restore backup capability to the siren.
“We’re willing to do what we need to do to get it working and reliable for them at no cost,” Newberry said.
Table Rock Alerting Systems has provided similar support to other communities in need. Newberry said the company previously donated a siren to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, after a deadly EF-4 tornado, where the previous warning system failed before the storm struck. The company has also donated systems to smaller communities, including a project in Diggins, Missouri, where funding was not available.
The company specializes in outdoor warning systems and works with communities to install and maintain sirens. More information about its services can be found on its website: http://www.tablerockalertingsystems.com
Temrowski said he hopes the attention will help move the process forward, as the community looks for both short-term fixes and long-term funding solutions.
With severe weather season approaching, he said ensuring the system works in all conditions is critical.
