For far to long residents across our city and county have been neglected by a sub standard weather warning system. Time after time immediately following a catastrophic flooding event or a damaging tornado, city leadership when confronted by media have punted regarding the need for outdoor warning sirens. The rationale has always been cost due to geographic size despite the fact that other large urban areas utilize them such as Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago etc. The fallback has always been the reliance on cell phone technology to alert residents. After our region (including within San Antonio) experienced two catastrophic flooding events within weeks, which sadly resulted in substantial loss of life and property, residents should no longer accept the status quo. Cell phone technology has its limits as we've all witnessed. The fact is warnings often arrive too late, not everyone including our senior comunity utilizes this form of technology or in the event of a tornado, cell phone towers could be taken out or the system can become overwhelmed during a hazardous weather event.  

The Governor has recently called for a special session of the legislature to address this call to action regarding the use and need for outdoor warning sirens within areas that are prone to flash flooding. San Antonio obviously is no stranger to flash flooding as we are part of what is known across the weather community as "Flash Flood Alley". With the state now offering to help with some of the cost relating to implementation of an outdoor siren system, the time to act is now! 

I humbly ask you to sign this petition to advocate to current city and county leadership to address this call to action regarding resident safety prior to incoming hazardous weather that impacts life and property. We should no longer accept a sub standard "one size fits all" weather warning approach regarding such an important safety issue that impacts everyone within our community.