City Considers Replacing Sirens with Text Messages
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Wilmington Safety Director Nick Eveland raised concerns to members of city council on June 4, 2026, about the city's aging outdoor tornado siren system while proposing a move to a wireless emergency system that sends alerts directly to residents’ mobile phones.
Eveland stated that there was a malfunction on Wednesday, May 27, when several sirens activated on their own despite not being triggered by dispatchers. Officials attempted to cancel the alarms, but couldn't, leaving some sirens sounding for an extended period of time.
Eveland said the city has spent $448,198.28 on sirens since 1996, averaging $14,900 annually over the past three decades. Eveland also discussed an estimated $9,000 to replace three batteries after the malfunction, which he thought was "outrageous"—and possibly incorrect—prompting further discussion about long-term maintenance costs.
Eveland said public habits have changed since the outdoor warning sirens were installed, arguing that many residents are now indoors, driving, or asleep during severe weather, making mobile alerts potentially more effective.
Under Eveland's proposal, Wilmington would transition to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), which powers Wireless Emergency Alerts sent directly to mobile phones. Eveland explained the alerts could also provide detailed instructions during emergencies about what actions to take.
Eveland also noted the alerts do not require residents to download an app or subscribe to a service, and they do not use cellular data or increase phone bills. FEMA grant opportunities may also be available to help offset implementation costs, though city officials said they are still early in the evaluation process.
Several council members raised questions about residents who do not use cell phones or rely on landlines. Eveland said alternative emergency radios or notification devices could potentially be made available through grants or other public safety programs. City officials said they plan to continue researching options before transitioning away from the current system.
Learn more at wilmingtonohio.gov.