OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – Sarpy County officials announced Wednesday they will upgrade outdoor sirens and add more in the area.

A press release said the “leading alarm technology” will improve communication in emergency situations and contribute to public safety.

According to a report, sirens will also be installed in recreational areas along the Platte River.

“As the county grows, so does the need for additional sirens and new technology,” said Jesse Eret, Sarpy County Emergency Management Director. “This initiative will ensure that our system is fully equipped and at the forefront of the most advanced alarm systems for the foreseeable future.”

With the improvements, the sirens will only be activated in the respective problem area and not in the entire district.

The sirens will also have a battery backup and will automatically send a report if there is a problem, eliminating the need for someone to personally check that the sirens are working.

The system costs $1.2 million and is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

“Emergency management is one of our core responsibilities in the county, and we have seen the importance of this work several times during this severe weather season,” said Angi Burmeister, chair of the Sarpy County Board. “These improvements are an important investment in our alert technology. Saving local taxpayers money by using federal funds is an added bonus.”

The modernization plan was approved in 2022.

A press release states that the updates are expected to be fully effective by the end of the summer.

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