City councilperson Theresa Stehly sent me an email this morning regarding comments I made on the show last week.
“I just got a phone call from someone who said that you were making fun of me last Friday. What do you think about the function/purpose of the siren alert system? I am happy to post your answer on facebook,” Stehly wrote.
She included a screenshot of one of her posts from late last week which I shared on the air Friday morning.
It said, “Many citizens have contacted me to say they believed sirens are an essential warning system for the indoors and outdoors.”
If you’re a regular listener, you may have heard my conversation last week with Todd Heitkamp of the National Weather Service.
If you didn’t hear it, please allow me to give you a little background.
I’ve been fortunate to know Todd Heitkamp professionally and personally for nearly 25 years. He’s an incredibly intelligent and dedicated public servant.
I’ve enjoyed a great working relationship with Todd for much of my career.
Todd allowed me to join him and other National Weather Service officials in 1998 when they toured Spencer, SD following its devastating tornado.
Soon afterward Todd invited me and KELO AM to partner with the National Weather Service in it’s “Ready, Set, Go” program.
I was quite flattered and gladly participated. Todd and I gave a number of severe weather talks in businesses throughout the community.
Todd spoke specifically about tornados. He gave advice on when and where to seek shelter. He explained the difference between watches and warnings, as well as a lot of life-saving information.
I spoke about the media’s partnership with the NWS. I explained how the media uses the information we receive from them.
Honestly, I can’t even hazard a guess as to how many times I’ve interviewed Todd about weather issues over the last 25 years I’ve been on the air.
In every single one of the interviews or talks that I’ve given with Todd, he has always made it clear that the sirens are for outdoor use only.
Fast forward to today.
Councilor Stehly says, “Many citizens have contacted me to say they believed sirens are an essential warning system for the indoors and outdoors.”
If you hear nothing else, hear this. Those sirens are for OUTDOOR USE ONLY.
It doesn’t matter if everyone in town believes those sirens are for indoor use. They are not and have not been for DECADES. Wishing for it doesn’t make it so.
In my opinion, Councilor Stehly jeopardizes lives when she spreads such blatant misinformation.
I acted quite out of character with some of our callers in regards to this siren issue on Friday. I deeply apologize to those I insulted.
However, I did so deliberately and for a reason. I wanted you to hear me loud and clear.
Sioux Falls received a serious taste of the devastation tornadoes bring when they impact a community.
I thank God that nobody was seriously harmed and no lives were lost.
But, this isn’t a political debate. This isn’t about who is right and who is wrong.
This is about saving your life and the lives of your family!
Sirens are for OUTDOOR use only. Telling people otherwise is deadly and dangerous. Stop wasting time debating it.
Instead, get out and buy an alerted NOAA Weather Radio. Sign up for weather apps for your phone that will alert you to severe weather.
Make the decision NOW that you won't be a helpless victim. Take responsibility for your own safety.
Take steps now to make sure you’ll be informed when the next storm hits. Don't wait for sirens that were never designed to be heard indoors.
