The Johnson County Board of Supervisors discussed placing emergency sirens in rural areas on Thursday.

Supervisors discussed the importance of outdoor warning sirens to alert residents in rural areas.

Dave Wilson, coordinator of the Johnson County Emergency Management Department, said six more sirens have been installed in rural areas, which means there are 56 sirens countywide.

Wilson said Johnson County’s emergency-management system is unique because all sirens are activated from one location and there is high-density coverage in rural areas.

“There are a number of factors the make our system pretty advanced … we’re pretty proud of it,” he said.

Throughout the week at the Johnson County Fair, the Emergency Management Department has been holding drawings for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios.

Wilson said the department also offers a reimbursement program for residents who buy the weather radios.

Wilson said Johnson County’s alert system is very effective.

“It’s very fast, very efficient,” he said.

– by Anna Egeland