NICKERSON, Kan. — The Nickerson City Council discussed but took no action on what to do about the city's tornado warning system during a recent meeting.
The siren has not worked during the past several severe weather events. In March, the city informed residents that the siren would not be used and advised they find other means of getting weather alerts.
City Clerk April Beshears says the cost to replace the warning system could run anywhere from $23,000 to as much as $70,000 depending on what needs to be replaced. Beshears says it really is up to the townspeople whether that is a tax expense they want for what is becoming an antiquated warning system.
Reno County Emergency Management was also a part of the meeting and has gone through the community introducing them to the county’s Everbridge system that uses cell technology to alert residents of impending weather. Beshears says the Everbridge system has been met with positive reactions from residents.
The future of the warning system will be addressed again during the council’s meeting in July.