Sirens may blare next week

A new emergency alert system is being installed in Emporium, Driftwood and Sinnemahoning next week. Citizens are advised that sirens may sound on several occasions during the installation.

New controllers will allow Elk County Control and the Cameron County Emergency Operations Center to activate the sirens not only for responses to fires or accidents, but also to sound a continuous three-minute warning to indicate an impending emergency.

These would include incidents such as a tornado or hazardous material spill. The three-minute alarm conforms with national emergency notification standards.

Cameron County Office of Emergency Services will work with Zito Media, as well as WLEM/WQKY and other area radio stations using the Emergency Alert System, to disseminate information if the alarm must be activated.

Once the system is in place and tests completed, Emergency Services will schedule a drill. Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the office at 486-9352.