FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lawson: Senate Passes Bill Aimed at Improving Severe Weather Warning Siren Coverage in Indiana
STATEHOUSE — Even in January, the importance of severe weather warning sirens could not be overstated. As funnel clouds swirled around the Indianapolis area, Sen. Connie Lawson’s bill aimed at improving severe weather sirens coverage areas unanimously passed the Indiana Senate.
Senate Bill 334 will require each county to submit a severe weather warning siren coverage report to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the department to establish a framework for areas that require a warning system.
“According to the National Weather Service, Indiana averages around 20 tornadoes a year,” Lawson said. “This bill will help the state identify areas where Hoosiers may not be receiving these very severe weather warning sirens. It’s my hope that we can gather information needed to update county warning systems so all Hoosiers are protected.”
SB 334 requires each county to prepare and submit to IDHS a severe weather warning siren coverage report that includes all existing and planned sirens in the county, all areas in the county that are not within the range of a warning siren and recommendations as to what the county needs for additional sirens. The bill then requires IDHS to prepare a comprehensive map of Indiana that shows the locations of each existing and planned siren.
“Having tornado warnings in January just reinforces the fact that Indiana residents need to be prepared at all times for severe weather,” Lawson said. “My hope is this bill will pinpoint areas currently not reached by warning sirens. We must make every effort possible to warn Hoosiers of these dangerous storms.”
The bill also requires IDHS to issue an order requiring counties who have one or more areas not covered by a siren to submit a siren coverage plan and adopt a siren coverage fee ordinance. The siren coverage fee would be placed on a builder who is proposing a development in an area of the county that is not covered by a siren. The fee will defray the costs incurred to acquire and install any sirens needed to provide coverage.
Lawson’s bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Lawson represents District 24, which includes portions of Hendricks and Putnam counties.
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