Cold War-Era Sirens Used As Terror Alerts

[kayell]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030714/ap_on_re_us/terror_attacks_sirens_4

By TIM TALLEY, Associated Press Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY - Cold War-era sirens may be revived as terrorism warnings. Cities including Oklahoma City, Chicago and Dallas have upgraded their outdoor warning systems with a type of siren that can carry voice announcements — an idea that officials say took on added importance in the post-Sept. 11 world.

Sirens have long been used for storm disasters, but now the Federal Emergency Management Agency (news - web sites) is studying whether they can warn people of biological, chemical or nuclear attack.

"You have all kinds of new systems," said Timothy Putprush, a telecommunications specialist with FEMA. "You originate a message. You need to get it out to the population."

Thousands of sirens were built across the country during the Cold War to warn citizens in case of nuclear attack, but the federal government stopped the program and the sirens fell silent in many of the nation's largest cities. Other cities put them to use to warn of tornadoes.

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It does kinda bring back memories of the good old days - bomb shelters, hiding under your desk nuclear drills, rampant paranoia.......

[THX1138]

1. Looks like

the multicolor alert system was losing its scare-ability factor. Nothing like a screaming air raid siren to put the fear of god back into a complacent populace.

[GainesT1958]

2. I can hear it now...

First the WAILLLLLLLL of the siren, then: Terror alert! Terror alert! Please duct-tape your windows and doors as soon as possible! :eyes:

"Duct-Tape, then Cover!" :crazy:

B-)

[revcarol]

3. But they wouldn't DARE use them to announce," A tornado

is headed here at the rate of 50 MPH, expected in 15 minutes!!"

Probably have all the door keys to the new systems locked up in Washington in Ridge's office. We wouldn't EVER get anything practical out of this.

[montana_hazeleyes]

4. This is terrorizing the public

I remember those horrible sirens when they would "test" them. And what did we do? We just peeped outside looking through our blinds scared to death because there was and still is NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT.

[corarose]

5. I live in Chicago

They are going to put GD air raid warnings out? I guess they want the Blue States to be scared shitless.

[Enraged_Ape]

6. Dallas tests their tornado sirens every month, and they never fail...

to scare the crap out of everyone.

There is just nothing like the sound of that wail, so familiar to all of us who have seen World War II or duck-and-cover movies.

This is obviously meant only to scare. Guess the color chart was exposed for the ridiculosity that it is.