Bates County Live spoke at length with Garry Perrymann of the Amsterdam Fire Department this evening to find out more about the town's newly installed storm siren. The siren, typical of the very loud 'air raid' type has been mounted atop a 40 foot pole at the southwest corner of the fire station- a location believed to be the best spot to be heard throughout the town of about 280 people.
According to Perrymann, the siren will only be sounded in the event of a tornado warning, which is the most crucial time for people to react and take cover.
There will be monthly tests of the siren on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, and tests will not be conducted if it is rainy or overcast to avoid any confusion.
The Amsterdam Fire Department has made many improvements over the last two years and Perrymann pointed out that the addition of the siren is a very necessary and important tool in helping to keep residents as safe as possible as we continue into storm season.
