Scio Township Partners with Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office for Outdoor Warning Sirens

Almost one year after a devastating EF3 tornado ripped through parts of the Dexter area, Scio Township officials have decided to invest in nine outdoor warning sirens.

Township Supervisor E. Spaulding Clark said the township contracted with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Emergency Services department in fall 2012 for the sirens and is currently working to determine the best location for installing the equipment.

"We have one siren near Jackson and Baker roads that's been there for about 10 years," he said. "Unfortunately you don't really think about (adding more sirens) until it's too late."

Clark said the township is paying roughly $87,500 for the purchase and installation of five sirens, and a grant from the sheriff's department will pay for the other four.

"After all nine sirens are installed, we will be responsible for the maintenance and inspection costs," Clark said.

The sirens will be synced to the county's Emergency Operations Center and will cover the township's entire 34 square miles. The location of the sirens has not been determined, he said.

The township is the second municipality in western Washtenaw County to purchase sirens following the March 15, 2012 tornado. Dexter Township purchased 16 sirens for $370,940.