All cities reported that they do not provide public storm shelters and encourage home sheltering during severe weather. Mr. Purpura's letter indicated the National Weather Service was very concerned about the potential safety threat posed to those who would get into vehicles and drive to shelters or attempt to get there by other means. The Oklahoma State Emergency Management Agency and the City's Emergency Management Unit also do not support the concept of public shelters. They share the concerns of Mr. Purpura, and have concerns regarding shelter capacity, logistical problems of opening and closing shelters and liability issues for businesses, churches and schools where shelters might be located. With the spring storm season rapidly approaching, the status of our current siren storm warning system is basically unchanged from last season, with 41 of the 44 siren locations functional.
Staff expects one additional siren location to be returned to service in the near future.
The control system for siren activation is currently in working order, however, the system is obsolete and replacement parts are no longer manufactured. Funding for upgrades to this system and research into other more efficient and effective technologies for emergency warning purposes is included in the proposed Police and Fire Equipment Sales Tax proposition. The radio broadcasts continuous weather information 24-hours a day. The goal of the NOAA Weather Radio Initiative is to have a NOAA radio in every home, school, hospital and other public gathering places. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me.