MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson is alerting residents in the Careyville subdivision that an outdoor emergency warning siren serving the area is currently out of service following an equipment failure, possibly caused by a lightning strike.
City officials say the outage comes as the siren was already considered aging and not ideally located. As a result, the city plans to repair and relocate the unit to improve service for the surrounding area.
The siren is currently positioned behind 1620 Center St. and will be moved to a new site near 2030 E. Avenue G within a city drainage easement.
According to the city, relocating the siren is expected to:
- Improve warning coverage for the Careyville subdivision and nearby neighborhoods
- Provide better access for maintenance and future repairs
- Remove the equipment from private property
Work on the relocation and repairs is expected to begin on or before April 3. The siren will remain offline during that process and will be returned to service once installation and testing at the new location are complete.
City officials emphasized that outdoor warning sirens are designed primarily to alert people who are outside to seek additional information and shelter. Residents are encouraged to use multiple methods to receive severe weather warnings, including NOAA Weather Radio, local media, and mobile alert systems.
The city says it appreciates residents’ patience as crews work to restore and improve this critical emergency alert system.