Resident urges broader review of county early-warning system as sirens undergo repairs

Mark Fairenbarger, a Fort Branch resident, asked the commissioners and emergency management to review county early-warning systems following an accidental siren activation earlier in the month, saying scenarios such as a nighttime train derailment or hazardous-materials events "raise questions" about how the county would notify residents. Commissioners and staff said the sheriff's office is investigating the accidental activation and that the county currently uses systems such as Nixle for notifications. County staff also said they have an active request for proposals to replace and upgrade existing weather sirens; several sirens already had repair work under way, including units in Hazelton and on Highway 64. Commissioners discussed the possibility of cellphone alerts similar to AMBER alerts and noted that radio and social media would also be used for notifications. No formal policy change was adopted at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to continue the review and repairs.