Avondale May Buy Tornado Siren

Avondale Estates officials are talking about purchasing a tornado siren.

City commission members last week discussed the idea at a work session, though no vote was taken.

City Manager Clai Brown said the siren would cost $25,000 to $30,000. He said monthly testing would be required and recommended a siren be located near Lake Avondale.

Commission member Terry Giager had reservations, saying he grew up in Texas and Oklahoma and never saw a tornado, though he heard the sirens all the time.

"They so loud they become aggravating," he said.

Resident Dennis Burns said he didn't like the idea either. "I think it will be a big old noisy nuisance," he said.

The commission decided to seek more public opinion before making a purchase.

Decatur has tornado sirens at Oakhurst, Glenwood and Winnona Park elementary schools and the Westchester School Administration facility on Scott Boulevard.

The sirens are tested the first Wednesday of the month.