MAURY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Maury County Office of Emergency Management announced that ground has been broken on the county's first tornado siren.

In the Tuesday announcement, the agency did not disclose the location of the new siren but said they're "excited for this incredible addition to our warning system." More information about the siren is set to be released in the coming weeks, the agency added.

Last November, county leaders approved a bill allowing for seven new tornado sirens across the county after a tornado hit the area. More than 100 homes were damaged, up to 12 people were injured, and a woman died in the devastating storm. Rural parts of the county did not have tornado sirens. The following month, Columbia received a grant for 12 new, strategically placed emergency sirens through the 2024 Community Block Development Grant Imminent Threat Program.

The agency stressed that residents should not turn off their weather radios and should have multiple ways to receive warnings during severe weather. Additionally, tornado sirens are primarily meant for outdoor use only. Maury County's Office of Emergency Management partners with Columbia, Mount Pleasant and Spring Hill.

You can sign up for free "E911" alerts here. The free system alerts residents to everything from severe weather to road closures or missing persons.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/ground-broken-on-tornado-siren-in-maury-county/