(DODGE CITY, Kan.) — They were supposed to sound, but the storms sirens were supposed to warn about in Dodge City in Bucklin were the reason they did not.
Dodge City Police Chief Craig Mellecker says his office has heard concerns from people as to why the sirens did not go off Saturday. He says early in the storm a lightning strike hit a repeater that operates the controls for the sirens. He says the bolt severely damaged the system's circuitry.
Click here to see photos of storm damage.
While the damage left the sirens inoperable, they have now been repaired. Mellecker says this emphasizes why residents should not rely only on sirens, which are designed as outdoor warning devices only, during times of severe weather.
Weather officials says when bad weather is in the forecast, tune in to local weather and TV, and get a battery operated weather radio which can provide alerts for your area.
