On Wednesday evening the Antigo Finance Personnel and Legislative Committee met and heavily discussed the subject of weather sirens, and whether or not to bring them back. Alderperson Glen Bugni brought the topic back to the committee after hearing several concerns from citizens. Bugni presented 20 letters written from Antigo residents asking that the sirens be turned back on, with many saying they did not have access to a cellphone or other technology like weather radios, and rely on the siren to know storms are approaching.
Antigo Mayor Bill Brandt said they could not guarantee the entire city would hear the sirens, studies show 65% of Antigo was in the sound range if there was no wind, and the sirens give people a false sense of security, because people don't act until the siren is activated.
Emergency Management Coordinator Brad Hendricks addressed the committee and gave them another option. A mass notification system called, NIXLE. In case of a severe weather emergency or an Amber Alert, NIXLE automatically sends a phone call to every land line or cellular device in that warning's area. No subscriptions are needed. It also sends warnings via e-mail, text messaging, and various social media outlets.
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