Section 290 IAC 2-1-7 - Siren audibility and installation standardsAuthority: IC 36-8-21.5-9
Affected: IC 36-8-21.5
Sec. 7.
(a) Indiana counties have wide and varied population densities, encompassing rural, suburban, and urban areas, which shall be considered in the site selection and installation of severe weather warning sirens. Counties shall utilize the following guidelines to determine the appropriate audibility and effective installation for their severe weather warning sirens: (1) For those areas within counties electing to develop a siren coverage plan that are uninhabited or where there are no permanent or temporary dwellings, counties have the option of not installing severe weather warning sirens, but shall specify other warning means and methods to be employed to warn the public in those specified areas.(2) Rural areas in participating counties where residential housing density is less than one (1) dwelling per one hundred (100) acres may consider installing severe weather warning sirens for their population. The average ambient background noise level in these areas is estimated to be less than thirty (30) dB(C) at ground level. When installing severe weather warning sirens in these areas, they shall provide a sound pressure level of at least forty (40) dB(C) to be distinguished and heeded by the public. Counties have the option of not installing severe weather warning sirens in these areas, but shall specify other warning means and methods to be employed to warn the public and incorporate this information within their county siren coverage plan.(3) Participating Indiana counties with suburban residential areas consisting primarily of single family homes with a density of less than one (1) dwelling per five (5) acres may consider installing severe weather warning sirens. These areas may also include agricultural land use or commercial activity. The average ambient background noise in level in similar areas is estimated to be approximately forty (40) dB(C) at ground level and the installation of severe weather warning sirens shall provide a sound pressure level of at least fifty (50) dB(C) to be distinguished and heeded by the public. Counties have the option of not installing severe weather warning sirens in these areas, but shall specify other warning means and methods to be employed to warn the public and incorporate this information within their county siren coverage plan.(4) Counties consisting primarily of residential areas with single family homes having an average density of less than one (1) dwelling per quarter acre, and which have no significant commercial activity, are appropriate for warning sirens. The average ambient background noise is estimated at fifty (50) dB(C) at ground level, and installation of warning sirens shall provide a sound pressure level of at least sixty (60) dB(C) so as to be distinguished and heeded by the public. Counties have the option of not installing severe weather warning sirens in these areas, but shall specify other warning means and methods to be employed to warn the public and incorporate this information within their county siren coverage plan.(5) Urban residential areas in counties electing to develop a siren coverage report that consist of both single and multifamily housing units that have an average population density of one (1) dwelling per quarter acre or more are appropriate for severe weather warning sirens. The average ambient background noise is estimated in these areas at sixty (60) dB(C) at ground level, and installation of warning sirens shall provide a sound pressure level of at least seventy (70) dB(C) so as to be distinguished and heeded by the public.(6) Counties electing to develop a siren coverage report with commercial/industrial areas where the daytime population density is greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) persons per square mile or areas where there are major highways or thoroughfares with estimated vehicle counts of over three hundred (300) per hour in a given one-hour period are appropriate for severe weather warning sirens. The average ambient background noise as estimated at seventy (70) dB(C) at ground level, and installation of severe weather warning sirens shall be provide a sound pressure level of at least eighty (80) dB(C) so as to be distinguished by the public.(b) Severe weather warning sirens installed in counties shall be affixed to stationary poles of wood, concrete, or metal, at a minimum height of not less than forty (40) feet but not greater than fifty-five (55) feet.(c) Severe weather warning sirens shall be installed so as not to produce a sound pressure greater than one hundred twenty-three (123) dB(C) at ground level. Sounds of this intensity have demonstrated the potential for hearing damage for those in the immediate area. The county siren coverage plan may specify a maximum sound intensity that is more restrictive.(d) In order to ensure overall safety for the residents of the county in which severe weather warning sirens are installed, installation shall comply with all of the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines since these outline the: (1) maximum coverage areas to be serviced by the outdoor warning system;(2) correct usage of the system components; and(3) recommended actions for both maintenance and regular system testing.Department of Homeland Security; 290 IAC 2-1-7; filed Aug 8, 2012, 10:43 a.m.: 20120905-IR-290110666FRAReadopted filed 7/2/2018, 2:42 p.m.: 20180801-IR-290180240RFAReadopted filed 6/21/2024, 2:53 p.m.: 20240717-IR-290230826RFA