HAYS, Kan. (AP) After four years of work, the city of Hays has new, state-of-the-art outdoor warning sirens.
Nine sirens that varied in age and power levels have been replaced by six sirens. The new sirens have backup batteries and a system to alert the fire department in case of vandalism, power failure or other problems.
Fire Chief Gary Brown says the sirens were needed because Hays is growing and areas of the city were not properly served by the older sirens.
The Hays Daily News reportseach siren cost approximately $11,500, with another $4,700 for installation.
Brown stressed the sirens are intended only for people who are outside, not for residents inside their homes or vehicles. He says residents should have weather radios to hear all alerts.
