Goshen looks to overhaul aging tornado siren system

By Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Goshen is considering upgrading 10 of its aging tornado sirens and potentially adding anywhere from four to eight more sirens. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Dec 9, 2008 at 3:28 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 13, 2008 at 3:44 PM EST

GOSHEN — As people in our area know, the potential for a tornado is very real. Twisters have hit the Crumstown area of St. Joseph County, LaPorte County and Nappanee in the past few years.

Goshen is giving serious thought to overhauling its tornado warning system.

“I guess I equate this system, safety wise, to an insurance policy — you hope you don't really have to use it, but it's going to be there,” said Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink.

The current warning system around Goshen is beginning to show its age and is in need of an upgrade.

“The original installation was done between 1991 and ’94,” Sink said. “The recommended life span for the sirens and the components is 10 to 15 years, and we're reaching that point.”

He says part of the reason for change is technology.

“It's an old analog system that is, nowadays is a new digital system, what we'd be using," Sink explained. "And because of its age, we're also having trouble getting parts, especially the old analog circuit boards. So that’s kind of driving some of this also.”

Among the options being considered is to upgrade 10 existing sirens within the city limits and possibly add anywhere from four to eight new sirens.

One of the current sirens sits near Hall True Value Hardware, where Jeff Hall works.

“I know the system has been in place for a number of years. I am glad to see that the city is looking at upgrading the system, because if feel it is very needed,” he said. “They had a tornado in Nappanee last year and you just never know when that could occur.”

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