One by one, their names were read on a chilly Friday afternoon.
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Sirens installed on a somber day
Updated: Thursday, 20 Sep 2012, 5:58 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 20 Sep 2012, 5:58 PM EDT
- Alexa Ashwell
- Jill Drury
ENON, Ohio (WDTN) -
It was 12 years ago that a tornado struck Xenia. It wasn't as devastating as the 1974 twister, but still caused widespread damage and claimed the life of one person.
Miami Valley communities continue to improve warning systems in the storms' wake, but, for the residents of Mad River Township and Enon, it's a $88,000 blessing.
Crews were installing new warning sirens Thursday to keep people safe.
After nearly a year-long project, one by one, tornado sirens were installed throughout Clark County.
"Unfortunately, we can't predict the weather, but hopefully we can provide our citizens with some fair warning," said Chief David Leist, Emergency Services for Mad River Twp. and Enon.
The four new sirens will cover Mad River Township and the Village of Enon.
Leist says the project is especially important because of all of outdoor activities in the area.
"We have community little league, soccer, softball, and we have some events with other 2 to 3 thousand people at these events, and also, the local high school, with their football and soccer games," Leist said.
The sirens will also be valuable for those who work outside on a daily basis.
Linda Thomas owns Wren Haven Landscaping. She says the sirens will help alert her to what's coming.
The sirens are being installed 12 years to the day after an F-4 tornado struck Xenia, killing one person and injuring dozens.
"I did see the damage and I'm happy to see how they've rebuilt and have a positive attitude in Xenia," said Thomas.
Chief Leist says it's just a coincidence that crews are working on the anniversary, but it does serve as a reminder of how important the project is for the community.
"Tornados aren't a Monday thru Friday at three o'clock or a certain time they can happen anytime." The sirens aren't working quite yet, but crews are hoping to have everything up and running early this fall.
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