Washington state deploys warning sirens along Pacific coastline

To enhance public safety for Washington communities and citizens, the first-phase deployment of warning sirens was recently completed. The sirens are part of an All Hazard Alert Broadcast warning system, made by Federal Signal Corp., based in University Park, Ill.

“Public safety is always a top-of-mind concern for state, county and municipal leaders in Washington state,” said George L. Crawford, Washington Military Department, Emergency Management Division. “We are delighted that Federal Signal partnered with us to develop and deploy its All Hazard Alert Broadcast warning siren system. Washington state’s emergency managers and first responders can now receive timely mission-critical information during a range of man-made and natural events, such as tsunamis, volcano eruptions, mudflows, floods, chemical spill emergencies and evacuation orders.”

System pairs warnings with satellite operation

With the system, a satellite-based communications backbone connects the warning sirens directly with the Washington State Emergency Operations Center. This integrated link enables state leaders to receive real-time data from remote monitoring stations and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

If an emergency occurs, state officials can activate a single siren, a zone of sirens or the complete network of installed sirens. Status monitoring capabilities help ensure that sirens will function when needed.

“We are excited to complete this all-important initial deployment of our Federal Signal All Hazard Alert Broadcast warning siren system in Washington state,” said David R. McConnaughey, president of Federal Signal’s Safety and Security Systems Group. “Developed in collaboration with emergency management leaders, this comprehensive Federal Signal public warning system leverages advanced technology to enhance public safety and security in Washington state.”

For more information about Federal Signal’s warning systems, visit http://www. federalwarningsystems.com/.