EMA updates old sirens with 360-degree devices, plans tests

Emergency Management Agency (EMA) worked to update emergency sirens at the Libby Water Treatment Facility and at the Asa Wood property on Dec. 15.

The EMA applauded the efforts of city workers and Flathead Electric Cooperative for the removal and installation of the new equipment.

“I just really appreciate all the help from Flathead Electric,” Vic White, Director of the Libby EMA, said.

The outdated sirens were removed for many reasons. However, one significant reason was the old sirens rotated when the emergency alarms were sounded. The rotation made it difficult to actually hear the alarm consistently.

“The new sirens’ sound is 360 degrees,” Corky Pape, Supervisor for Streets, Parks and Cemetery, said.

The EMA will begin testing the sirens upon the arrival of additional equipment. After which the EMA will announce a public meeting to educate the community for new emergency procedures for Flower Creek and the water treatment dam overflow protocol.

“We want to make sure the public knows what the two different sounds mean coming from the sirens,” White said. “We may have testing every Monday at 5 p.m., let’s say, I don’t want to scare the community.”