HomeMy WebLinkAboutSalina Hears a Voice instead of Sirens 1959 I
PUBLIC SAFETY
Salina Hears A Voice
Instead of Sirens
A complete system of loudspeakers, microphones
and other electrical equipment has been installed in
Salina, Kans., to provide disaster warning and in-
struction for the 60- square mile area encompassing
the city, according to Ed F. Grigsby, western sales„
manager of Altec Lansing Corp., Anaheim, Calif. A.
The principal advantage of voice warning over sirens.
is that it permits the relaying of instructions before
w
or during an emergency. "Citizens therefore are not 4 A A ,
only warned of danger, but may also be told what * ► q
the danger is and what precautions should be taken." ' �
An oscillating or "beep" signal alerts the populace,
then voiced instructions follow.
The central distribution station is located on top
of the Salina City Hall. This system consists of four
multicellular "theatre type" horns or loudspeakers
that point in four different directions for extensive
coverage. Ten additional stations are scattered
throughout the city, installed on top of buildings, - . , r
water towers and other high structures. These em-
ploy four smaller loudspeakers pointing in different
directions. Each station can be operated independent-
ly or in any combination and each has emergency
standby power equipment. ° "
According to Grigsby, Salina Civil Defense Direc-
tor A. Marie Webb said that the Altec demonstra- 1 A non a tion of the voice warning system, given in December e
of last year, convinced the Salina City Council of
the superiority of voice warning. "In fact," said Grigs -'
by, "Mrs. Webb said that tests were made during a
raging blizzard and still the phrases spoken could Loudspeakers atop City Hall, central distribution
be repeated by persons four miles away." station of Salina's disaster warning system.
Red and Blue Lights on Fire Apparatus
1. May red lights be displayed on fire apparatus and flashing red lights, all traffic must stop in either
returning from a fire? direction.
Yes. They may be used at any time by fire ap- 7. May fire police be used to direct traffic on the
paratus and ambulances. This means coming or going return of apparatus to fire station?
and includes drills, etc. Yes. Providing an organized squad has been formed
2. How many red lights may be displayed on a and the necessary oaths filed. A duly authorized
v� motor vehicle of an authorized fire department of- member of the fire police has the powers of a peace
flcer? officer when the department or company is on duty.
There is no limit. 8. May a squad car be used for advertising fire de-
3. How many blue lights may be displayed on a partment events if the car is a normal piece of fire
-motor vehicle operated by an active member of a equipment?
volunteer fire department or company? Yes. Providing the vehicle is a bonafide fire vehicle.
One only. The regulations on this subject say one If not, there would be no right to do so without
light either steady or flashing. securing regular motor vehicle registration.
4. What privileges are given a volunteer fireman ARNOLD WISE
v when he displays a blue light? Motor Vehicle Bureau, Albany, N. Y.
None. The light is merely for identification pur-
poses. Snapping Lost Dogs
5. May a volunteer fireman who is authorized to Dog catchers in Stockton, Calif., are armed with
✓ display red lights also display a blue light at the cameras, the International City Managers' Association
.same time? reports. Dogs running loose— against the city ordi-
Yes. Both may be displayed on properly authorized nance —are photographed, the picture developed on
motor vehicles. the spot, and the neighborhood canvassed for the
j 6. Must a fire apparatus stop upe^t overtaking a owner. In the first two weeks of photographic dog
V stopped school bus? catching, 16 of 19 cases against the dog owners were
Yes. If the bus is stopped and is displaying signs handled summarily. It is unnecessary to take the dog
s Mr. Wise, associate attorney for New York State's Motor to the pound, saving the city the cost of housing and
Vehicle Bureau, explains his state's regulations on this subject. feeding it. Public reaction has been good.
THE AMERICAN CITY • October 1959 33