Ore. county to ditch tsunami sirens Jan. 1
ROCKAWAY BEACH, Ore. (AP) -- In Tillamook County along the Oregon coast, the county government has decided to stop using tsunami sirens as of Jan. 1.
The Oregonian reports the rationale is that if there's a big earthquake just off the coast, the shaking ground will be enough to tell people to head for high ground pronto.
And if it's a distant quake, such as the one that hit Japan last year, there will be a few hours of time to warn people by means such as reverse 911, social media and public address.
Besides, say county officials, the sirens that have been used in drills are old, and repair parts aren't available.
Some residents have objected, setting up Facebook page called SOS Save Our Sirens in Tillamook County.
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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com
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