HEWITT, Texas (KWTX) - Hewitt installed lightning warning sirens at two local
parks that verbally warn people when lightning strikes within 10 miles of the city.
The sirens were installed at Hewitt and Warren parks over the past couple of months. They are attached to light posts and equipped with a solar panel.
Hewitt Fire Chief Jonathan Christian said he believes the new sirens will help people stay safe at the parks.
“If you do have lightning strikes in the area or if you’re out in the parks you just feel a little more comfortable knowing that you’ll be notified if we do have something come up,” Christian said.
The Hewitt City Council approved an upgrade package for their severe weather warning sirens. The package included the addition of the lightning sirens.
The verbal warning provided by the lightning sirens has been met with a positive public reception, according to Chief Christian.
“We’ve had a couple people that were out at some baseball practices and they commented on how they had heard them and they were appreciative of just being aware that there were storms in the area and stuff coming in,” Christian said. “A lot of times we’re not focused on the weather until
it’s right on top of us.”
While many are unaware of the sirens, some Hewitt residents said they feel safer about going to the park following their installation.
“This is the first that I’ve heard of this but it sounds like a great idea because it seems like the thunderstorms have been more severe lately than they ever have,” Hewitt resident Shawnese Herron said. “So that
would be a concern especially out here at the park cause it’s a wide open area, especially with the kids that are out here.”
Parents at the park also said they feel better about their kids visiting the park with the new sirens.
“It will give me a peace of mind that if we need to leave that it’s a great warning and heads up to say ‘hey lets clear out’,” Hewitt resident Lizelle
Havins said.
The upgrade package approved by the city also included an additional tornado siren. The only lightning sirens are at Hewitt and Warren parks.
