PRESS RELEASE: ARCHBALD BOROUGH WHELEN SIREN TEST

PRESS RELEASE: ARCHBALD BOROUGH

JUNE 16, 2020

Archbald Borough recently purchased two (2) Whelen Omnidirectional (Voice Capable) Sirens. The sirens were purchased with grant funding from the Commonwealth Finance Authority. The grant was received with support from Senator John Blake and Representative Kyle Mullins.

The sirens were installed at the Archbald Borough Public Works Building on Export Lane, Archbald and Betty Street Playground, Eynon.  A dedication ceremony and test will be conducted on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 10:00 am at the Betty Street Playground. The sirens will be dedicated to late Councilman Joseph Simon. The public is welcome to attend.

The Whelen Omnidirectional Siren is a mass notification system (MNS). This is a platform that sends one-way messages to inform employees and the public of an emergency in the borough. The organizations best served by this mass notification system include fire and police departments; emergency management organizations; federal, state and local governments; and cities and communities. Such a system can improve the safety and security of the borough by providing alerts and real-time instruction during a crisis. A study of the coverage area of the system revealed that two (2) sirens would be needed in the borough to reach maximum residents. This equipment will minimize the risk of loss of life during an emergency. Late President of Council Joe Simon determined this system was the quickest, most effective way for warning Archbald Borough residents of man-made or natural events such as tornado, flash flood, severe weather, borough safety issue or chemical release.