First Polygon Siren Activation in Alabama

Dadeville, Alabama – November 30, 2010 – Weather Message Software reported the first polygon siren activation in the state of Alabama.  The automatic siren activation occurred today in Autauga County. 

At 9:15 am, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the Northwest corner of Autauga.  The Weather Message Siren Controller received the tornado warning, decoded the polygon information, and activated four sirens.

Autauga County has a population of approximately 50,000 people.  With over 30,000 located in the City of Prattville.  Rocky Millman, Autauga County Emergency Management Director, installed Weather Message’s Siren Controller in February 2010.  His mandate was to activate only the sirens in areas affected by storms.

For the siren activation today, only four sirens out of the twenty-seven were activated.  The residents of Prattville were not affected by the storm and their sirens were not activated.  The activation of sirens has a direct impact on the County’s economics.