Brighton’s Alert System Down: City Prepares Residents for Severe Weather Season

The city of Brighton, Colorado, is facing a potential crisis as its outdoor alarm systems have ceased functioning, just in time for the upcoming severe weather season.

Concerns Raised by Police Chief Matthew Domenico

During a recent meeting with the City Council, Brighton Police Chief Matthew Domenico expressed his concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of the siren system. Domenico highlighted the ongoing issues with the system, stating that the outdoor warning sirens are currently non-operational. He emphasized the significant cost associated with restoring functionality to these sirens.

Limited Usage and Possible Alternatives

Traditionally, the outdoor sirens in Brighton have primarily served as warnings for tornadoes. Stephanie Hackett, the city’s emergency management coordinator, mentioned that while tornado warnings are infrequent, occurring once every couple of years, the impending severe storm season necessitates alternative measures for alerting residents.

CodeRed Alert System Encouraged

To mitigate the impact of the malfunctioning sirens, Brighton officials are urging residents to sign up for the CodeRed alert system. Hackett highlighted the effectiveness of CodeRed in providing timely and comprehensive information to the public during emergencies. This system offers location-specific alerts, encompassing weather advisories, public safety alerts, reports of criminal activity, water boil advisories, and more.

Exploring Future Solutions

As the city grapples with the challenge posed by the inoperative outdoor warning system, efforts are underway to identify the underlying issues. Collaboration with vendors is ongoing to diagnose and address the problems. Once a clearer understanding of the situation is attained, Brighton authorities plan to present their findings to the City Council for deliberation on the future course of action.

Conclusion: Preparedness Amidst Uncertainty

As Brighton navigates the complexities of its malfunctioning outdoor siren system, proactive measures such as the adoption of the CodeRed alert system underscore the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. Despite the current challenges, the community remains steadfast in its dedication to enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

By Diego Sanchez

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