Plum Creek Aids Noxubee Storm Siren Effort

Ken Burton, Plum Creek senior resource forrester, presents a check to Noxubee County Board of Supervisors President Boo Oliver.

SHUQUALAK, Miss. (Press Release) — April, May and June mark peak tornado months in the U.S. In Noxubee County, the community is newly prepared for another season of severe weather in the wake of a devastating EF3 tornado that ripped through Shuqualak on April 11, 2013. While violent winds swept through the county without warning last year, residents of Noxubee are advancing through 2014’s tornado season with new reinforcements.

Last year, Noxubee County received an $8,000 grant from the Plum Creek Foundation for the installation of an electronic warning siren system, which was completed last February. Because the county is largely rural, the siren system is designed to alert all residents, regardless of distance, of an immediate tornado threat. Most recently, the sirens were used April 28 during an actual tornado warning.

“Noxubee County’s destructive tornado in 2013 serves as a reminder of the life-saving necessity of our new siren system,” said Brad Moore, director of the Noxubee County Emergency Management Agency. “Although I hope we don’t have to sound the sirens, it’s a relief to know that they are there and that we’ll be ready.”

Comprised of 13 sirens total, the new system underwent its first test in March. The sirens are tested the first Saturday of each month. During tests, alarms sound throughout the county, with sirens positioned near Noxubee County High School and Brooksville Police Department and in Shuqualak.

When activated, each siren’s sound reaches one mile in all directions. As soon as the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for the area, the sirens sound off. Considering that the 2013 tornado swiftly cut down local businesses and homes in its extensive path of damage, these sirens can provide enough warning to help residents prepare for the worst.

“Plum Creek recognizes that supporting this project is an investment in the community’s safety,” said Jason Gibson, resource supervisor for Plum Creek. “We are proud to help sustain our local communities.”

The Plum Creek Foundation supports non-profit organizations and community projects that improve the overall quality of life in the communities where Plum Creek operates. The Foundation board meets quarterly to review submitted grant applications. Visit www.plumcreek.com/communityinvolvement to download an application and learn more about the Foundation grant program in addition to other ways that Plum Creek is serving its communities.