Due to the expected low temperatures over the next 24-36 hours and low wind chill, the Dec. 6 test of the Wood County outdoor warning sirens is canceled.
Many of the sirens in Wood County use electrical motors to power the sirens. Most manufacturers of these sirens do not recommend testing below 20F. Under extreme cold temperatures, moisture present in the siren would freeze, and could damage the motor when it is activated.
Any damage sustained to the sirens could render them inoperable during severe weather this spring, since repairs could take an extended amount of time and costs would likely be in the thousands of dollars, according to Wood County Emergency Management Agency Director Jeff Klein and Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn.
This test occurrence will be canceled, not rescheduled. Wood County Emergency Management Agency will plan to resume the normal testing schedule and frequency next month.
