Shreve Siren Failure During Tornado Warning

The outdoor warning siren in Shreve, Ohio, did not activate Tuesday night when a tornado warning was issued for Wayne County. This occurred despite Mayor Josiah Martin knowing the siren was broken.

Siren Malfunction Discovered Two Weeks Prior

Mayor Martin stated the siren failed a routine test approximately two weeks before the tornado warning. He chose not to inform Shreve residents that their emergency warning system was inoperable.

Village Response and Repair Efforts

Following the failed test, the Village of Shreve contacted B&C Communications, the company responsible for maintaining the siren system. B&C Communications has indicated a technician will be dispatched to repair the siren between Monday and Tuesday, April 6th and 7th.

“Please be assured that restoring the functionality of our emergency warning system is a top priority,” Martin stated. “My administration is in direct coordination with B&C Communications to bring the system back online as quickly and safely as possible.”

Delayed Repairs and Lack of Communication

According to Martin, he contacted B&C Communications immediately after the siren failed its routine test. However, the company did not send a technician to Shreve during the subsequent two-week period.

B&C Communications' Response

B&C Communications has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the delay in repairs. They have reportedly informed Martin that workers will begin fixing the siren on either April 6th or April 7th.

One resident, Beck, noted they received an alert on their phone and did not consider the siren as a backup. The incident occurred alongside separate events, including the placement of an entire police department in Brown County on leave pending investigation and the reopening of lanes on I-90 eastbound after a crash.