New state-of-the-art outdoor warning sirens to be installed in Norman

City council members Tuesday awarded an almost $2.1 million contract to SafetyCom Inc. to develop, equip and install an electronic, radio-controlled outdoor warning system. Voters approved a general obligation bond issue in March to pay for installing the system.

The state-of-the-art electronic system includes 67 outdoor warning sirens that will cover the entire city limits. The system replaces 37 outdated sirens that only cover Norman's urban area, officials said.

SafetyCom has designed outdoor warning systems for Fort Worth, Texas, Little Rock, Ark., and Oklahoma City in recent years, Fire Chief Jim Fullingim said.

The company is one of six that submitted proposals for the installation of the new system. The company was selected as the best choice by a committee of representatives from the police, emergency management, building maintenance and city personnel departments.

The new solar-powered, voice-capable sirens are manufactured by Whelan Engineering Co. The products come with a two-year guarantee, according to a staff memorandum to council members.

The sirens will be mounted on concrete poles, which have a life span of 100 years, the memorandum notes.

Fullingim said the sirens can be activated individually or in groups. They can be remotely activated by radio or via the Internet, he said.

As part of the contract price, SafetyCom will provide training on activation and use of the system, Fullingim said.