The article discusses the importance of emergency sirens in Comfort, Texas, especially after recent flooding in the area. Following a history of devastating floods, including one in 1978 that killed 33 people, the community has prioritized enhancing its warning systems. On July 4th, the new sirens, along with manual alerts from firefighters, helped residents evacuate in time as the Guadalupe River swelled.
Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Morales highlighted the community’s collaborative efforts to secure funding for the sirens, which cost around $50,000–$60,000. Conversely, Kerr County faced difficulties in funding a larger warning system, which could have prevented fatalities at a nearby camp.
The upgraded sirens are designed to differentiate between tornado and flood warnings, and training for residents has emphasized their importance. During the recent emergency, many residents were already aware of rising water levels before the sirens sounded, showcasing the effectiveness of the alert system. Morales is now in discussions to add a third siren to further bolster safety.
Source link
