Outdoor sirens can sometimes be the first line of warning and plans are in the works to add more of them this fall in one local community.

Communities like Muskogee are working right now to add more coverage—especially on the city’s northwest side.

The Highway 69 and Shawnee Bypass area is booming with development and officials have identified that area for its 20th outdoor warning siren.

"We could have a tornado come up just like that, so it would be wonderful to have it close to this area with the motels," said Vicki Harris, a Muskogee neighbor.

"We have a housing addition over here, there’s a lot of children, a lot of elderly, there’s a high rise tower that has a lot of handicapped and elderly people as well that need the advanced warning of a siren,” said Harris.

The city is also looking to upgrade 19 of its existing sirens, which can allow emergency officials to set them off their phones or get alerts if a siren goes down.

Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.

Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.

Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.

Follow us on Twitter:

Like us on Facebook: