Bentonville Approves Emergency Upgrades to Tornado Siren Network

Bentonville, AR – In a proactive move to bolster public safety, the Bentonville City Council has approved an emergency ordinance to upgrade and repair the city's tornado siren network. This decision was made during the council meeting on July 23, 2024, following significant damage to the system caused by a severe storm on May 26, 2024.

The ordinance waives the usual competitive bidding process, allowing Ka-Comm, Bentonville's current radio system maintenance provider, to swiftly undertake the necessary upgrades. The storm's impact was particularly severe, damaging the repeater that is crucial for the network's operation. As a result, the sirens, which play a vital role in alerting residents to tornado threats, were left vulnerable.

Ka-Comm will migrate the tornado siren network to a new public safety radio system. This transition aims to enhance the reliability and functionality of the sirens, ensuring they remain operational during critical weather events. The council's decision reflects a commitment to public safety and a recognition of the urgency required to address the system's vulnerabilities.

A budget adjustment has been approved to facilitate the upgrades and repairs, demonstrating the council's readiness to allocate resources for the safety of Bentonville's residents. The quick response and decisive action by the city council highlight Bentonville's dedication to maintaining robust emergency preparedness measures.