CLARK COUNTY, Ind. — New tornado sirens are coming to various neighborhoods across Clark County in southern Indiana, Clark County Emergency Management officials said.
The agency's goal is to install up to seven new sirens by the end of this year, all while their end goal is to fully fund and install 20 to 25 sirens throughout the county.
In early April, the Crystal Springs neighborhood in Jeffersonville was hit by a tornado. Months later, some impacted homes are still under reconstruction.
Terrance Critchlow's home wasn't damaged by the tornado, but he didn't hesitate to help out his neighbors after the severe storm blew through the region.
The nearest siren to his family's home is miles away so he's glad to hear his area is being considered for a new one.
"Having those sirens a lot closer and within proximity would certainly help our neighbors out and keep them safe," Critchlow said. "Now that we've seen a lot of tornado activity here in the last couple of months we certainly need something."
CCEM Director Gavan Hebner said there are various parts of the county that lack tornado sirens, but he's working to ensure it doesn't stay that way much longer.
"We're going to put one in Starlight, in the Borden area," Hebner said. "One in Memphis, one in the Town of Utica and one is the east end of Jeffersonville."
The map above was provided by CCEM and shows current and proposed locations of tornado sirens in Clark County. The green circles represent sirens currently in place while the blue circles show the proposed locations.
"We know that residents have smart phones, we know that residents have weather radios but there are residents that don't have access to the internet," Hebner said. "Don't have access to TVs and we want to make sure they also have a way to receive alerts."
The agency said partnering with commissioners and communities was the key to potentially saving lives. The Town of Sellersburg is an example as they are partially funding two new sirens, which cost about $40,000 each.
"Sellersburg is excited to partner with the City of Jeffersonville and Clark County to fund the expansion of the county's outdoor tornado warning siren system through the leadership of the Clark County Emergency Management Agency," Sellersburg Town Manager Charlie Smith said. "As part of our contribution, we will be funding 50% of the total expense of 2 additional sirens that will be placed within the Town Limits of Sellersburg. These 2 additional sirens are pieces of a larger countywide puzzle that will add another layer of early warning safety to our residents during times of emergency.
Hebner said Crystal Springs is a neighborhood they've been considering installing one of their new sirens this year.
"I think that's incredible it's certainly a blessing that there are folks here that's analyzing the data and taking a look at where our most critical points are and I'm very happy to know that our area is one area they're look at to keep our family and neighbors safe," Critchlow said.
CCEM said Jeffersonville and Utica have also contributed funding for new sirens in the region.
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