Hernando County has various warning systems in place to notify the public of impending danger. In the case of Hurricane Hermine, the County used social media, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office patrols, radio and TV announcements, message boards, and the Code Red call system. Residents who wish to register their cell phones may use the link provided on the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office webpage.
Commissioner Diane Rowden suggested that the County should be more proactive and implement a siren warning system which would benefit residents on the coast. “It doesn’t take much water before those roads are impassable,” she said.
Commissioner Wayne Dukes stated that today’s residents are increasingly distracted by electronics and the sirens may be disregarded. While not opposed to sirens, Dukes said, “I don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket,” and proposed that the county could purchase weather radios in bulk and sell them to residents at cost.
Rowden agreed that there might be better ways, especially with the advances in technology. Commissioner Nick Nicholson and County Administrator Len Sossamon have begun looking into effectiveness, cost, and potential locations for the sirens.
Sirens in other locations may be used to warn residents of fires, dam failures, tsunamis or tornadoes. Sossamon and Fire Chief Scott Hechler discussed other considerations for coastal residents: saltwater, humidity, or strong winds carrying the sound away from those who need to hear it.
Sossamon referred to another county which has 44 sirens installed. While he doesn’t believe Hernando County needs 44 sirens, Sossamon stated the cost would include installation and routine maintenance and testing.
Hechler advised that the situation is not “either/or”, and that the outcome – notifying the public of threats using multiple methods – was what was important. Cost and risk must be balanced with benefit to the community, he said.
Chairman Jim Adkins stated that sirens are used in emergency situations when minutes count. For tropical storms or hurricanes, residents usually have enough notice to prepare and/or evacuate.
Adkins suggested that a better result could be achieved by providing information via technology, as most people rely on smartphones and social media for information. However, not all residents have or are comfortable using cell phones.
Residents with special needs can register with the county to receive notifications via phone or a weather radio. The Sheriff’s Office also makes daily checks on individuals through the Care Line.