Citywide Emergency Tornado Warning Siren

1. CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS
FIRE DEPARTMENT
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Michael Gdovin, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: A discussion regarding the implementation of City area outdoor warning siren(s)
DATE: December 14, 2020
SUMMARY
The presentation is to provide Mayor and City Council with information regarding the features,
purchase, installation and implementation of an outdoor audible warning siren system and other
tornado warning system options.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Outdoor warning sirens, also referred to as Civil Defense, weather or tornado sirens, may
be an option to inform the public of dangerous weather conditions and other emergencies.
Warning siren systems can be utilized to provide emergency population warning of approaching
danger and sometimes to indicate when the danger has passed. Based on an on-site inspection and
topographic evaluation, the service provider contacted recommends one Sentry Model 16V1T-B
Stationary Warning Siren, CD&F Model SD2100 Radio or Telephone Decoder and one Storm
Sentry Monitoring & Automatic Activation System. Other tornado warning system options for
consideration include weather radio alert systems well as independent tornado/severe weather alert
devices.
POLICY ANALYSIS
No conflicting policies for the implementation of an outdoor audible warning siren system.
FISCAL IMPACT
Based on an on-site inspection and topographic evaluation, the service provider contacted would
recommend one Sentry Model 16V1T-B Stationary Warning Siren, automated warning activation
system and on-site electrical upgrades at a cost of $51,900.00. Additional items that the City
would be responsible for providing would be the siren site(s), appropriate electrical service to the
siren pole(s) and an appropriate telephone connection if controlled by telephone or the necessary
radio to program a radio decoder at an estimated cost of $4,524.75, for an estimated total cost of
$56,424.75.

2. ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Sentry Siren 16V1T-B specifications
Attachment B – Sentry Siren and Activation System Quote
Attachment C – Meyer Electric Quote for service
Attachment D – CPS Commercial Development & Services Application
Attachment E - Outdoor Tornado Warning Siren Survey email
________________________
Michael Gdovin
Fire Chief
________________________
Buddy Kuhn
City Manager

3. The workhorse of our siren
family is the 16V1T-B. With its low
pitch sound and battery reliability,
this true performer is meant for cities
who want the peace of mind a battery
siren provides. Priced to compete, this
siren is 100% FEMA and USDA grant
compliant. This 16 Horsepower
performer is rated at 129 dB(c) @ 100
ft. continuous*. This rating is not just
for 25% of its cycle time, like its
rotating competitors, the 129 dB
measurement is for 100% of its full
RPM run time. Plus, this 129 dB is
available in a dual 460 Hz tone, the
lowest pitch in the industry.
Therefore, its sound will fade at a
lower rate than its competitors, giving
the user more distance per decibel.
This pitch has been shown to stand up
to wind fade and tree cover better
than its high pitch competitors.
Perhaps the key feature of the
16V1T-B is the length of time that the
siren will run on batteries. As is
common in the United States, storms
frequently come in lines over a 3 or 4
hour period. If the first storm knocks
out power, you may need a siren
which can be sounded 6 or 7 times
before power is restored. The Sentry
model 16V1T-B can sound 10 full 3
minute signals using its battery
reserve; that’s more than twice the
reserve capacity of competitive sirens.
The 16V1T-B is a state of the
art siren created with tried and true
technology. Add a Gen-3 radio
controller for the ultimate outdoor
warning system.
2812 N. 9th St. www.SentrySiren.com T: 866-427-4736
Canon City, CO 81212 mail@SentrySiren.com F: 719-269-3397
ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SIRENS
produce stronger and further reach-
ing sound than electronic sirens
while providing far better reliability.
OMNI-DIRECTIONAL DEVICES
“..present a distinct advantage.. over
rotational devices,” according to
FEMA’s warning system guide. It
says “a rotational device will have an
overall lower dB level when assessed
across a given time period than an
Omni-directional device operating at
the same frequency. “ (4.4.5 FEMA
OWS Technical Bulletin 2.0)
Further, the guide states: “Omni-
directional sirens provide a greater
area of coverage than do rotating or
directional devices. They provide a
more constant signal that improves
public alerting…” (4.4.5 FEMA OWS
Technical Bulletin 2.0)
Unmatched Power, Reliability, and Performance
100% Maintenance Free, not just the siren, the whole system!
Non-Rotating: Forget the worries of rotating sirens, this unit has only two
moving parts and does not require lubrication or any type of scheduled
adjustment or maintenance.
Output Frequency Modulation: Thanks to the dual motors and dual fans
that power the 16V1T-B, the peak output frequency oscillates ever so
slightly creating a natural “wow wow wow” effect. The result is increased
and more thorough perceived coverage.
5 year Warranty: Rest assured your siren will be functional at all times
and enjoy the confidence of free lifetime tech support and the best
customer service in the industry.
16V1T-B
Premium Warning Siren
Made in the USA
Attachment A

4. 16V1T-B
Premium Warning Siren
Performance Power Requirements
16V1T-B siren is rated @ 129 dB(c) at 100 ft.*
Estimated coverage: 5,600 ft. (Radius) continuous**
(3.5 sq. miles)
Siren’s sound pattern is Omni-Directional. Siren produces
100% volume at peak RPM 100% of the siren cycle
time.
16V1T-B produces a Frequency Modulated, Dual 460
Hz pitch
AC/DC Kit (Included)—Siren operates on AC rectified power
when available then automatically switches to battery backup
power when AC power fails.
Siren uses two (2) American Made, 8 HP, DC motors
125 Amp, 208-240 VAC, 1 phase power required.
Separate, 30 Amp, 110 VAC circuit required for controls
Additional Services / Accessories
* - Sentry rating based on field tests using FEMA Guidelines; assumes perfect conditions, actual coverages may vary based on multiple factors. No guarantee is
expressed or implied concerning dB or SPL of sirens.
** - Based on FEMA guidelines of 9 dB drop and assumes perfect conditions, actual coverages may vary based on unforeseen factors. No guarantee is expressed
or implied concerning sound coverage of sirens.
Need a site design? One of our
engineers will work with you step by
step to determine the optimum
location for your siren(s). We analyze
topography and terrain, population,
available infrastructure, and more to
design a siren system that best suits
your community’s needs.
Best of all, this is done 100% free of
charge, no obligation!
Be sure to ask about our full line of siren activation, weather monitoring and communication packages including “Storm Sentry”,
the world’s first fully automatic siren activation system, “S.T.A.R.”, our state-of-the-art report-back status monitoring system, and
“E.P.I.C.”, the world’s first PC-based FEMA IPAWS interface.
Siren Starters and Controllers:
Our “S” series siren motor starters and
“Generation” series siren controllers make
powering and activating your siren simple
and easy. Call us today and let our
knowledgeable staff help you select the
perfect control solution for your system! “S” series motor starter GEN-1 manual controller GEN-3 radio controller
Attachment A

5. Storm Sirens, Inc.
3801 Harrogate Drive Norman, Ok 73072 1-800-527-6375 stormsirens@aol.com
September 18, 2020
Michael Gdovin, Fire Chief
Alamo Heights Fire & EMS
6116 Broadway
Alamo Heights, Texas 78209
Regarding: Storm Warning System
Dear Mr. Gdovin:
In regard to your recent meeting with Dan Chaney, I have prepared a revised
proposal for your consideration.
Item #1
The Sentry Model 16V1T-B is our largest AC/DC siren. It normally runs from 230
VAC, single-phase, 125 amp electrical service. However, in the event of a power
failure, the siren will automatically switch to its bank of rechargeable batteries.
As previously discussed, from a coverage standpoint, the City’s topography is not a
problem, man-made obstacles are not significant and tree cover is moderate. As
shown on the enclosed map, a Sentry Model 16V1T-B Storm Warning Siren located
at or near the water tower should provide the entire City with the FEMA
Recommended Alert Level for Outdoor Warning. This does not mean that the siren
would not be heard beyond the indicated area just that the alert level might fall
below the FEMA Recommended Level for Outdoor Warning.
Each Sentry Model 16V1T-B is custom made using parts cast from the same metal
ingot which means that the components expand and contract in the heat and cold
at the same rate. This ensures significantly closer tolerances and longer operational
life. When evaluated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for use around power
plants, Sentry sirens were estimated to have a 53 year life expectancy.
Attachment B

6. Storm Sirens, Inc.
3801 Harrogate Drive Norman, Ok 73072 1-800-527-6375 stormsirens@aol.com
Unlike most competitive sirens, the Sentry Model 16V1T-B is covered by a
complete 5 year parts and labor warranty. Sentry is able to offer such a long
warranty because they use superior components in the construction of each siren.
For example, each Sentry siren uses a continuous-duty, series-wound motor rather
than a permanent-magnet motor. The benefit of a series-wound motor is two-fold:
as the load on the motor increases, the magnetic field from the coils in the motor
increases at the same time, allowing more torque to be generated; and the series-
wound motor tends to be more energy efficient and lasts significantly longer than
a permanent-magnet motor. ALL SENTRY SIRENS ARE PROUDLY MANUFACTURED
IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Qty. 1 Sentry Model 16V1T-B Stationary Warning Siren
Omni-Directional
2 8 HP Continuous Duty DC Motors
dB Rating at 100 Feet: 129
Range: 6000 Ft Radius/12000 Ft Diameter
Optima 34U Redtop Batteries
Battery Box W/ Dual Pro Chargers
Magnetic Starter in a NEMA 3R Enclosure
Qty. 1 CD&F Model SD2100 Radio or Telephone Decoder
Programmable, Multi-Signal Format
Weatherproof Cabinet (Lockable)
Antenna
Total Price $26,950.00, Complete & Installed (Turn-Key)
The quoted price for the Sentry Model 16V1T-B includes installation of the siren on
45” class II wooden telephone pole as well as all labor and materials associated with
the complete installation. The only items that the City would be responsible for
providing would be the siren site, appropriate electrical service to the siren pole
and an appropriate telephone connection if controlled by telephone or the
necessary radio information to program a radio decoder.
Attachment B

7. Storm Sirens, Inc.
3801 Harrogate Drive Norman, Ok 73072 1-800-527-6375 stormsirens@aol.com
The quoted price also includes either a CD&F Radio or Telephone Decoder with
each siren. If equipped with a radio decoder, the siren could be activated from
AHFD or mobile using handheld or vehicle radios. Once activated, the decoder
would run the siren through a preprogrammed signal and then automatically reset.
The CD&F Model SD2100 Radio Decoder is capable of 3 different signals. We would
program the radio decoder to match the RF and code form already available.
If equipped with a telephone decoder the siren could be activated from any land
line or cell phone providing that the caller knows the telephone number and 4 digit
activation code. Once activated, the decoder would run the siren(s) through a
preprogrammed signal and automatically reset. Again, the CD&F Model TD2100
Telephone Decoder is capable of 3 different signals. The siren would require an
appropriate telephone connection at the siren pole.
Item #2
The Storm Sentry Monitoring & Automatic Activation System is a
comprehensive, integrated software solution for monitoring weather and
automatically controlling your storm warning sirens. Receiving direct data feeds
over the Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN), satellite
imagery, and high definition radar, Storm Sentry takes all of the National Weather
Service’s weather data and places it on your desk. Based on your criteria, the
Storm Sentry will automatically activate your warning siren in the event of an
emergency.
In addition to automatically activating your siren system, Storm Sentry can also
contact your emergency management team via text message, e-mail, telephone
call, fax, social media post, and more. On its own or integrated with FEMA’s
IPAWS network, the Storm Sentry can serve as an integrated, automatic
emergency communication and weather monitoring platform. A few of the many
features of the Storm Sentry System are:
• Automatic siren activation, can be limited to IMMINENT THREAT
• Map-based siren locations and activation
• Custom group activation
Attachment B

8. Storm Sirens, Inc.
3801 Harrogate Drive Norman, Ok 73072 1-800-527-6375 stormsirens@aol.com
• Compatible with almost all siren makes and models
• Text, e-mail, and social media alerts
• One-time purchase price with no annual fees
• Does not prevent local control or override
Total Price w/IPAWS $24,950.00, installed
From date of order, the proposed siren system can be operational in 8 weeks or
less. No money is due until after all work has been completed.
As stated, the Sentry Model 16V1T-B Storm Warning Siren is covered by a 5 year
warranty. The CD&F Model SD2100 Radio and Model TD2100 Telephone Decoder
are covered by a 2 year warranty. The 34U Redtop batteries used in the Sentry
Model 16V1T-B are covered by a 2 year replacement, 3 year pro-rated warranty.
The only exceptions to the warranties are vandalism and Acts-Of-God which are
normally covered under the Town’s general insurance.
If you have any questions, please contact us at our toll free number 1 (800) 527-
6375 or by e-mail stormsirens@aol.com.
Sincerely,
Frederick R. Engelbrecht
Frederick R. Engelbrecht
President
FRE:st
Attachment B

9. Attachment C

10. Attachment D

11. Attachment D

12. Attachment D

13. Attachment D

14. Attachment D

15. Attachment D

16. Attachment D

17. Attachment D

18. Attachment D

19. Dear Alamo Heights Resident/Property Owner;
The Mayor and City Council are considering the purchase, installation and implementation of an
outdoor audible warning siren system as well as other tornado warning system options. Based
on a siren sales and installation vendor the model of siren recommended for the City is the
Sentry Model 16V1T-B Stationary Warning Siren.
Prior to presenting the item for City Council consideration, the Alamo Heights Fire
Department has been tasked with obtaining input from area residents that live near the
projected siren site and then provide the neighborhood opinions to Council. The projected
siren location is within the City Public Works facility, near the well house adjacent to
Bluebonnet Street.
The outdoor audible warning siren system would be activated in the event of tornadic conditions
in the area of Alamo Heights. It would also be tested monthly/weekly per the vendors
recommendations. This warning system is designed for people that are outside, not inside a
building. The Department of Homeland Security advises that residents also have an alert
system in place for when they are inside as tornadic conditions are also typically accompanied
by high winds, rain and thunder that limit the effectiveness of the siren being heard.
As your residence is in close proximity to the proposed outdoor audible warning siren system,
please take a moment to provide your opinion on the implementation of an outdoor audible
warning siren system. Your opinions will be forwarded to the Mayor and City Council.
Additional information regarding the outdoor audible warning siren system can be found
at: https://www.alamoheightsfire.com/. To hear the siren being tested, select this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfUcic2VGFk
Our survey is quite simply:
Address: ________________________________________________________
Are you in favor or opposition of the purchase, installation and implementation of an
outdoor audible warning siren system?
 in favor
 in opposition
Do you have any comments regarding the purchase, installation and implementation of
an outdoor audible warning siren system?
Please “reply” back to me with your opinions.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
Michael Gdovin
Fire Chief
Alamo Heights Fire & EMS
6116 Broadway
Alamo Heights, TX. 78209
Office: 210-832-2206
Cell: 210-748-4998
Attachment E