Emergency alerts: Experts say multiple channels can save lives

Michigan emergency officials say using several alert platforms — sirens, phone alerts, apps, NOAA weather radio and TV — creates overlapping layers because any single system can fail. Siren coverage varies by county and rapidly developing storms can leave only minutes of warning.

Emergency officials in Michigan say more ways to receive warnings can improve the chances of getting notice before a tornado. Alerts can be dispatched in as little as 15 seconds to a couple of minutes, officials said. Outdoor siren coverage varies widely by county because of cost, upkeep and local choices, according to Rob Dale, deputy emergency manager for Ingham County. Dale described multiple platforms—sirens, phone alerts, apps, NOAA weather radio and TV—as layers that can back each other up. Alert details: - Officials reported alert dispatch times can range from under 15 seconds to a couple of minutes. - Siren coverage differs by county; availability depends on funding, maintenance and local decisions, Dale said. - Multiple platforms cited include outdoor sirens, phone alerts, apps, NOAA weather radio and local TV. - Dale noted each system can fail for different reasons, such as app outages, cell tower problems or network interruptions. - An alert was issued minutes before a deadly tornado in Union City, and Dale commented that quick-developing storms and shelter type affect how useful short warnings are; he also mentioned bike helmets as a possible protection from falling debris in some scenarios. Summary: Having multiple alert channels increases the number of ways people might receive a warning, but coverage and infrastructure gaps mean outcomes will vary by location. Undetermined at this time.