East Oregonian
April 14, 2002

CSEPP adding strobe lights to siren poles

HERMISTON--Blue strobe lights are being added to four Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program siren poles in an effort to improve safety, said Maureen Roxbury, Morrow County CSEPP public information officer.

The strobe package is situated at the top of an existing siren and flashes a blue rotating light when the siren is activated. The next activation will be Tuesday, April 30.

The color blue was selected to avoid confusion with other warning systems.

Strobe lights weren't in the original plan, Roxbury said, but concern that people working in noisy industrial areas couldn't hear the sirens prompted the addition.

Bill Howard, CSEPP logistics officer, came up with the plan to help people working in these areas to "see" the sirens by installing strobe lights. Four sites have been retrofitted: the Port of Morrow, McNary industrial area, Hinkle rail yard and between Hinkle and Stanfield along the rail yard.

Additional sites may be added if the need exists. If you feel your industrial area could benefit from this strobe light modification, call Howard at 966-3702.