To the editor:

This letter is in response to Phyllis Hobson’s complaint about the outdoor warning sirens. I can understand how you might feel about not being able to hear the tornado sirens inside your house anymore. But the outdoor warning sirens are just that, warning for those who may be outdoors; playing on a playground, working, or just out in the yard. It is nice to have an outdoor warning system in Douglas County, but do not rely solely on them to stay safe.

The best advice I know is to have an NOAA weather radio to listen and get warnings directly from the National Weather Service. Also have a battery-operated radio to listen to local news and weather reports. TV is also a good weather source. I hope you do not look poorly upon the Douglas County Emergency Management. They are the best at what they do, and even better than that if you consider what all they do within their budget. And Douglas County has some of the most well-trained weather spotters in the state. Most counties must rely on deputies or volunteer firemen who may not be as well trained.

I hope you can still feel safe in Douglas County, and remember, the outdoor warning sirens do save lives, but so do weather radios and the TV, and most important, knowing when to take appropriate shelter from the storm.

Matt L. Withers,

Lawrence