THEDFORD – A new Fire and Severe Weather Warning Siren has been installed in Thedford, according to a release from the Thedford Rural Fire District.
The new Federal Signal Siren will effectively double the audible notification area of a previous system, as well as have distinct tones for fire or severe weather, which is expected to significantly improve public safety.
The system will be activated by Region 26 to alert firefighters of emergencies including wildfires, structure fires, search and rescue operations, and motor vehicle accidents. This important alert will lead to more efficient and effective reactions by area first responders.
Additionally, the severe weather tone will be activated at the request of the National Weather Service or by locally trained weather spotters from Thedford Fire & Rescue and the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office. Early warning systems are proven to reduce loss of life and injury during severe weather events such as tornados.
If weather permits, the siren will be tested as part of the upcoming statewide Tornado Siren Test on Wednesday, March 29 between 10 and 10:30 a.m. The severe weather test is scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., with the fire test slated for the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. These audible tests will be abbreviated versions of an actual emergency activation.
The siren project has been a priority for the Thedford Rural Fire Protection District Board for quite some time. Challenged by providing fire protection services to one of the largest districts in the state, the Rural Fire Board recognized the importance of an effective alert system.
The approximately $23,000 project was funded in part by a generous $11,000 grant from the Bob & Susan Childers Fund administered by the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation. Mr. and Mrs. Childers earmarked part of their endowment for community improvement projects in Thomas County. More information about the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation can be found here.
The remaining $12,111.25 of the project was satisfied by ARPA funds received from the federal government and administered by the Thomas County Board of Commissioners.
