| " Oviedo officials are calling for tornado-alert sirens throughout the city, and they would like them in place as soon as possible." " Other local governments also are investigating the practicality and cost of the devices days after 20 people were killed by tornadoes that raked Lake and Volusia counties." " "I can't see any reason why you would not want to do this," said Oviedo Councilman Steve Henken, who made the proposal at Monday night's City Council meeting. "For me, it's all about doing everything you can to duck one of these things. . . . I honestly believe these will be up by June."" " Council members ordered the city manager and fire chief to research sirens, including the costs, and report back to them. Henken said he would like an official vote within the next month and sirens installed in the next three months." " He said the $100,000 or so it would cost to install five of them could come from city reserves." " Fire Chief Lars White has already contacted a couple of siren manufacturers that have agreed to send representatives to the city within two weeks." " Other cities considering action include tiny Lake Helen, where residents of a mobile-home community approached officials about getting a siren. Ocoee commissioners Tuesday night also directed staff to investigate sirens, as well as weather radios and emergency-calling systems. And Deltona commissioners on Monday told staff to check into the cost, life and maintenance of sirens." " Seminole County Commission Chairman Carlton Henley said he plans to ask city leaders at a joint meeting Thursday to consider a countywide warning system. A Seminole County task force also plans to begin meeting next week and have a report for county commissioners by the end of the month." " Local governments must work together, said Alan Harris, chairman of Seminole's emergency management operations team, which is putting together the task force." " "We want to be sure if we flip a switch for the county . . . the ones in Oviedo go off as well," Harris said." " Seminole County was spared the devastating tornadoes that struck Lake and Volusia counties early Friday morning. But a tornado in November destroyed or damaged almost a dozen homes in the Oviedo area. And 12 Seminole County residents
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