2025 8 11 Work Session Packet website

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3. Malfunctions: Like any mechanical system, sirens can fail or malfunction, leading to lack of 
warning. Power and internet outages play a vital role in these devices operating as they are 
designed to. No matter how many times we test these devices, they can still fail in the event 
they are needed. 
Modern Alternatives and Supplements: 
• Many communities supplement sirens with other warning systems, such as text message 
alerts, automated phone calls, and notifications via television and radio broadcasts.  McMinn 
County offers the Regroup notification system at no cost to citizens of Athens and McMinn 
County. 
• Smartphones and dedicated weather radios equipped with the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio service can provide detailed alerts and 
updates directly to individuals. 
• Smartphones and electronic devices are much more reliable than sirens that are controlled by 
power and ethernet cable for internet.  
 
McMinn County Emergency Management offers the Regroup Emergency Notification System. They 
have multiple ways you can join. This system is free to anyone that lives within McMinn County. 
1. Text “join McMinn” to 66893 
2. For additional control visit TN-McMinn county.app.regroup.com 
3. Register your address for additional alerting notifications or evacuation instructions. 
 
Here is some updated data that I received from McMinn County EMA Director Tom Trotter. Based off 
the most current census, McMinn County’s population is 54,719. Currently, we have 11,469 people 
signed up for the emergency notification system to date.   If you look at the census number of 
households for McMinn County, that number is 21,230.  If you look at it based off households and the 
11,469 signed up possibly being in different households, then the numbers look pretty good. 
 
Tornado sirens remain a vital part of the warning system, particularly for those outside or in rural 
areas where other forms of communication might be less accessible. However, they work best when 
used in conjunction with other alert systems to ensure maximum coverage and safety.  Our 
community currently offers a system that is free. Receiving these notifications right away to devices 
seems to align with the current technology. These siren notification systems are becoming a thing of 
the past no w that technology allows the notification to be in the palm of our hand. When you 
research these, the siren device seems inexpensive. However, there are many other costs and 
liabilities associated with these. Just to mention a few, it requires poles to mount on, land, internet, 
power, and more.  I have yet to receive quotes back for a system like this. Based off the research thus 
far, this will be a costly investment. 
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