Whereas, a citizen body, the Citizen Corps Council Communications Task Group has carefully researched modern technology and has determined that a modern permanently mounted siren system installed in Arlington County, with its dense population centers and small geographic area, would be effective in reaching a significant percentage of Arlington residents and workers, particularly those who are out-of-doors and those with no access to other means of emergency alert;

Whereas, current technology affords highly reliable and robust systems with reasonably low maintenance expenses when coupled with a dual activation means via a central ground station controlled by Arlington's Director of Emergency Management;

Whereas, modern siren systems possess the capability for emergency public address, providing additional and timely instructions on necessary safety measures;

Whereas, the cost of installing complete coverage of Arlington's geography is less than $500,000 with average anticipated annual maintenance costs of less than $10,000;

Whereas, the efficacy of sirens has been borne out by the fact that many Arlingtonians in the vicinity of the Pentagon were informed of a problem via the siren that currently exists at National Airport;

Whereas, other jurisdictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia, most notably Norfolk, are pursuing permanent sirens as part of their public warning infrastructure;

Be It Resolved by the Arlington County Civic Federation that the County Board and County Manager are requested to pursue the implementation of a permanently-mounted siren system, either as part of a regional system or independently, for warning the residents and workers of Arlington County;

And Be It Further Resolved that the Arlington County Civic Federation recommends a collaborative effort on sirens [activation, placement, cost] between the County government and the various military installations located within the boundaries of Arlington County.

This page was last revised on: December 27, 2003.