In keeping with the times, the City of Troy is nearing the completion of its warning siren system, meaning residents will be a little bit safer in the future.

Crime is often used as an indicator of community safety, and increases in that area have prompted much good work on the part of local law enforcement to put criminals behind bars.

But a reduction in crime alone isn’t going to make the area safer. Geographically located in an area that experiences frequent tornado reports and the remains of hurricane systems that hit the coastal areas of the Golf, Troy has seen its share of weather-related problems. The key to keeping people safe is letting them know what’s coming and what they can do to prepare.

The Troy City Council spent a sizable amount of cash to ensure our safety in this issue, with the nine-siren system costing $150,000. These sirens will serve to give residents the early warnings when dangerous weather systems enter the area.

The Council was wise in its approach, opting to get one of the best systems money could buy. The state-of-the-art system will go a long way toward helping us prepare.

We commend the City Council for its endeavor and maintain that Troy will be a safer community as a result of the work that went into this early-warning system. By purchasing nine sirens that can be activated from one central location, the Council has guaranteed that few people will miss the warning sirens when we are unfortunate to experience natural calamities.

Thanks to those who worked to put this project together and to get us where we are now as the system nears completion. It will be a valuable asset to members of the community, making us all a little safer.