Tornado Sirens Fail Test

Already this season Edmond and Council Hill have been affected by tornados. Even though there's no record of a tornado touching down in Claremore, city officials want to make sure they're prepared just in case.

Last week city officials met to review policies for using the Code Red Notification System. The system is used to call each resident in the event of imminent danger. While discussing severe weather in the meeting, the tornado siren testing came up.

Officials say there have been several silent tests to make sure the newest system is working. The five updated sirens were installed in 2004 and have worked several times since then.

They each have a two mile range. But, Monday the sirens made no sound. Instead, residents in the area heard the sound of the secondary system. This system is made up of eight sirens. The drawback is that they only have a half mile range.

Bob Anderson, the director of emergency management for the city of Claremore does not feel residents should be concerned about the failed test today.

"We're trying to be prepared and make sure everything is working right so everybody's out. We're going to get a technician out and see what the problem is, but like I said we've still got a back up for the system," said Bob Anderson, Emergency Management Director.

"Rogers County Emergency Management is our emergency management provider. They are the ones who are responsible to have the tests. The city called them and asked for an audible test. We are obviously thankful we did that," said Matt Mueller, assistant City Manager.

In the meantime, the City Of Claremore has requested frequent meetings with Rogers County Emergency Management staff to regularly perform audible tests, and the city will update residents when the primary storm siren system is fixed.

By Margaret Stokes, NewsOn6.com anchor/reporter and Kyle Dierking, Video Journalist. Find more of their stories in our Web Exclusives section.