Sarpy County updating siren system with more precise technology

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Officials in Sarpy County announced Wednesday that they will be modernizing the outdoor sirens, as well as adding more to the area.

In a release, they said that the “leading alert technology” will strengthen communication in emergencies and aid in public safety.

Sirens will also be added to recreational areas along the Platte River, according to a report.

“As the county grows, so does the need for additional sirens and new technologies,” Sarpy County Emergency Management Director Jesse Eret said. “This initiative will ensure our system is fully equipped and at the forefront of advanced alerts for the foreseeable future.”

With the improvements, the sirens only activate in the specific area of concern, and not the entire county.

The sirens will also have battery backup power, and when the siren is having issues, it will automatically send a report. This gets rid of the need for someone to physically check that the sirens are working.

The system costs $1.2 million, and is paid for by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

“Emergency management is one of our core responsibilities at the county, and we’ve seen how critical that work is several times during this severe weather season,” Sarpy County Board Chair Angi Burmeister said. “These improvements are an important investment in our alert technology. Saving local taxpayer dollars by using federal funds is an added bonus.”

The modernization plan was approved in 2022.

A release says that updates are expected to go into full effect by the end of summer.