Sec. 7.
(a) Indiana
counties have wide and varied population densities, encompassing rural,
suburban, and urban areas, which shall be considered in the site selection and
installation of severe weather warning sirens. Counties shall utilize the
following guidelines to determine the appropriate audibility and effective
installation for their severe weather warning sirens:
(1) For those areas within counties electing
to develop a siren coverage plan that are uninhabited or where there are no
permanent or temporary dwellings, counties have the option of not installing
severe weather warning sirens, but shall specify other warning means and
methods to be employed to warn the public in those specified areas.
(2) Rural areas in participating counties
where residential housing density is less than one (1) dwelling per one hundred
(100) acres may consider installing severe weather warning sirens for their
population. The average ambient background noise level in these areas is
estimated to be less than thirty (30) dB(C) at ground level. When installing
severe weather warning sirens in these areas, they shall provide a sound
pressure level of at least forty (40) dB(C) to be distinguished and heeded by
the public. Counties have the option of not installing severe weather warning
sirens in these areas, but shall specify other warning means and methods to be
employed to warn the public and incorporate this information within their
county siren coverage plan.
(3)
Participating Indiana counties with suburban residential areas consisting
primarily of single family homes with a density of less than one (1) dwelling
per five (5) acres may consider installing severe weather warning sirens. These
areas may also include agricultural land use or commercial activity. The
average ambient background noise in level in similar areas is estimated to be
approximately forty (40) dB(C) at ground level and the installation of severe
weather warning sirens shall provide a sound pressure level of at least fifty
(50) dB(C) to be distinguished and heeded by the public. Counties have the
option of not installing severe weather warning sirens in these areas, but
shall specify other warning means and methods to be employed to warn the public
and incorporate this information within their county siren coverage
plan.
(4) Counties consisting
primarily of residential areas with single family homes having an average
density of less than one (1) dwelling per quarter acre, and which have no
significant commercial activity, are appropriate for warning sirens. The
average ambient background noise is estimated at fifty (50) dB(C) at ground
level, and installation of warning sirens shall provide a sound pressure level
of at least sixty (60) dB(C) so as to be distinguished and heeded by the
public. Counties have the option of not installing severe weather warning
sirens in these areas, but shall specify other warning means and methods to be
employed to warn the public and incorporate this information within their
county siren coverage plan.
(5)
Urban residential areas in counties electing to develop a siren coverage report
that consist of both single and multifamily housing units that have an average
population density of one (1) dwelling per quarter acre or more are appropriate
for severe weather warning sirens. The average ambient background noise is
estimated in these areas at sixty (60) dB(C) at ground level, and installation
of warning sirens shall provide a sound pressure level of at least seventy (70)
dB(C) so as to be distinguished and heeded by the public.
(6) Counties electing to develop a siren
coverage report with commercial/industrial areas where the daytime population
density is greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) persons per square
mile or areas where there are major highways or thoroughfares with estimated
vehicle counts of over three hundred (300) per hour in a given one-hour period
are appropriate for severe weather warning sirens. The average ambient
background noise as estimated at seventy (70) dB(C) at ground level, and
installation of severe weather warning sirens shall be provide a sound pressure
level of at least eighty (80) dB(C) so as to be distinguished by the
public.
(b) Severe
weather warning sirens installed in counties shall be affixed to stationary
poles of wood, concrete, or metal, at a minimum height of not less than forty
(40) feet but not greater than fifty-five (55) feet.
(c) Severe weather warning sirens shall be
installed so as not to produce a sound pressure greater than one hundred
twenty-three (123) dB(C) at ground level. Sounds of this intensity have
demonstrated the potential for hearing damage for those in the immediate area.
The county siren coverage plan may specify a maximum sound intensity that is
more restrictive.
(d) In order to
ensure overall safety for the residents of the county in which severe weather
warning sirens are installed, installation shall comply with all of the
manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines since these outline the:
(1) maximum coverage areas to be serviced by
the outdoor warning system;
(2)
correct usage of the system components; and
(3) recommended actions for both maintenance
and regular system testing.
