COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WKRN) — Even though it's been months since a deadly EF-3 tornado barreled through Maury County and destroyed homes and businesses, it feels like just yesterday for some Columbia residents.
"Our community suffered one of the most tragic natural events that we've ever seen," Columbia mayor, Chaz Molder, told News 2.
Now, though, the city of Columbia has received $420,000 for 12 new, strategically-placed emergency sirens. Three of those will be electrical sirens equipped with audible alarms and voice capabilities, while the other nine will be mechanical sirens designed to deliver audible alarms.
The funding comes through the 2024 Community Block Development Grant Imminent Threat Program. Molder said that after signing off on some paperwork, construction will get underway.
"We want to have them in our densely-populated areas first and go out from there so that we're reaching as many people as possible," Molder said. "I think you can anticipate that there will be one placed at or near the downtown area."
The city hopes that these new sirens will help prevent future losses. The project is set to be finished in time for the upcoming spring storm season.
"This system will be a vital resource for protecting our community," city manager Tony Massey said in a press release. "It reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and ensure effective communication during critical situations."
