looming risk?
In many instances, they may have access to sirens, weather radios, and telephone auto
dialer systems. And of course, police & public safety officers can, if there’s time, go door-
to-door or use a public address system.
Sirens
These can be heard outdoors within a specific distance from where the siren sets on a
tower. However, many communities do not have full siren coverage. Sirens often cannot
be heard indoors. When they are, half the people hearing them turn to radio or television
looking for more information instead of acting.
Other information may be unavailable. Many newsrooms are closed at night. Some
stations remain unstaffed and air pre-programmed material or are operated distantly.
Even if the TV is turned on, many people may not hear that message over the din of their
lives.
Weather Radios
Only a small percentage of people own them and many of those do not keep them turned
on. Moreover, weather radio warning messages must be given to physical areas of
arbitrary sizes. Warning types are limited by warning code and language barriers, as
more and more languages are spoken in the United States. Weather radio has recently
enlarged its number of codes to a total of 5 possible types of emergencies. But if the
codes don’t fit or if the emergency is too small, the system may not be used at all.
Door to Door Canvassing by Police and Fire
Is there time to send police officers door-to door to provide you with specific instructions?
Door-to-door canvassing takes time and may inappropriately reallocate public safety
officials from the management and containment of the event. After a train derailment in
Weyauwega, Wisconsin it took police 7½ hours to complete a door-to-door evacuation in
a community of only 1,800.
Can we continue to rely on yesterday's technology?
