Emergency Management purchases multi-function siren

A new, multi-function siren will be installed at Monett’s North Park later this spring.

Monett Emergency Management recently approved the purchase and installation of an UltraVoice Electronic Siren controller and high-powered Omni Speaker at a cost of $32,000.

The new voice-activated speaker will function as a traditional tornado siren, and comes with several additional applications that will improve safety and communication at the North Park facility.

The new speaker can generate single and dual-frequency warning tones to indicate the threat of sever thunderstorms, tornados, excessive heat advisories and more. The speaker can also automatically detect lightning in a five- or ten-mile radius and warn park users of potential danger.

The controller can also reproduce high-quality live or pre-recorded messages. This will allow city emergency management to notify nearby community members of specific dangers, like severe storms.

The live voice capability can also serve as an “all-call” system at the sports complex. For example, if parents are attempting to locate a lost child during a busy tournament weekend at North Park, officials will have the ability to make an announcement to all who are gathered.

The speaker will also be able to play the National Anthem throughout the North Park facility.

The new multi-function siren is scheduled for installation at North Park in mid May. Emergency Management is also exploring opportunities to install a second device at South Park in the coming years.