One less siren network in England - Essex Scraps Sirens

[System 7000]

Whilst doing some idle research, I came across this irritating story.

We already know that Norfolk and Lincolnshire have scrapped their networks of flood sirens, but now Essex is set to follow, supposedly to save money and to avoid having to upgrade the analogue controls to digital ones in 2014. The sirens are set to be scrapped immediately.

Essex has/had a network of 36 Castle Castings sirens. You can hear one doing the annual test here.

Although the vast majority of people wanted the sirens to stay, people will now be notified by phone and text. I think that we all have an opinion on this type of policy, and I doubt that any are positive. Some councillors are fighting to retain their sirens.

It would seem that the only siren networks left in the UK now are private ones - sirens for some chemical plants and power stations, certain defence contractors, and the high-security psychiatric hospitals, such as Broadmoor and Carstairs.

Regards,
Jerry.

Source articles:
Essex County Council silences flood warning sirens
Council pulls plug on flood siren system
Island?s flood sirens scrapped immediately

[OmniAlert]

Oh no! That's horrible. :'(

[SirenMadness]

Looks like the reverse-911 virus has found its way to Europe. What a shame, considering the UK has some of the nicest sirens out there. Good luck sending out a phone message to the public during a flash flood. By the way, since when is taking the equipment and labor to actually take something down and scrap it saving money as opposed to just leaving it there?

[Mantis]

Too bad. I liked those Castles.

[derelyth]

Hi guys

Long-time (unregistered) lurker, but this thread and a finding this week made me register to post.

It seems the Essex/Canvey Island siren system may not be dead just yet

Reprieve possible for Essex Flood Sirens

[AQHort]

I hate that these sirens might go. Sure phoning in and texting warnings may seem lucrative, but when people can't get to their house phones or may not have a cell phone (or even a dead one for that matter) sirens are the most reliable thing to warn them of impending disaster. I hope these sirens are saved.

[SirenMadness]

Not to mention that in the event of an emergency with little prior knowledge, very few people who are outside might check their phones in time, whereas a siren will automatically get your attention.

[landmobile]

Essex has/had a network of 36 Castle Castings sirens. You can hear one doing the annual test here.

Jerry,

Do you know the port ratio of the Castle Castings siren in this video? It looked like 12/8 to me but wasn't sure I had it right.

[System 7000]

Jerry,

Do you know the port ratio of the Castle Castings siren in this video? It looked like 12/8 to me but wasn't sure I had it right.

10/12, I believe.

Regards,
Jerry.

[SirenMadness]

Correct. A 12/8 would sound like a T-135.