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What's That Sound? Mt. Pleasant Gets New Tornado Warning System

WESTMORELAND COUNTY (KDKA) – Westmoreland County has had more than its share of weather and natural disasters over the years.

That's why people in Mt. Pleasant set up a warning system to let people know danger is on the way.

It sits atop the Mt. Pleasant Borough building and its sound is unmistakable.

And the borough's new tornado and disaster warning siren is beyond loud.

"When we did the initial test, it was 3 miles away and we could hear it," said Borough Manager Jeffery Landy.

Paid for with grants and other public funds, the audible warning system is now in place and welcome by those in emergency management.

"In five days, the anniversary of the Hempfield Township tornado will occur," said Dan Stevens of Westmoreland County Emergency Management.

That storm damaged or destroyed 90 homes and did millions of dollars in damage. It was one of 38 tornados that have slammed Westmoreland County over the years.

"These types of emergency sirens will save lives and protect people," Stevens said.
For now, the blaring is just a test – and only a test.

"We're gonna test it for the next couple of days and we're only going to use it when there's parades," said Mt. Pleasant Borough Mayor Jerry Lucia. "We have six parades. Over the years, we're gonna use it to signal the start of the parade."

So if you hear the sound and there's not a community event going on, or it's not being test over the next few weeks, seek shelter.

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