Two new storm sirens installed in Bennett Spring State Park

Office of Emergency Management Director Randy Rowe reported that two storm sirens were installed in Bennett Spring State Park on Thursday. The funding for these sirens was originally approved in January 2024. The Bennett Spring State Park’s Facebook page noted that the sirens will be located near the spring head and in campground one, further noting that all areas of the park should be able to hear them in case of a tornado warning. In an interview about the sirens last year, Rowe said they will protect about 6,000 people in the park in the summertime and help seven outfitters in the area and 2,000 people on the river. “They won’t have to only rely on their cellphones or NIXLE warnings, they will be able to hear this warning system on the river, maybe two miles each way from the park,” Rowe said. “It’s taken a long time to come, but it’s here.” He thanked SEMA, DNR and the officials involved in getting approval for the sirens on park property. “I think we are going to be the first state park to have this quality of siren system in the state,” he said. During this week’s County Commission meeting, Rowe said sudden complications regarding the required federal archaeologist, might postpone the installation. However, the installation continued as planned.