Malibu Explores Wildfire Warning Sirens

MALIBU, CA — City officials are exploring the installation of outdoor warning sirens that would be used to alert residents and visitors of an impending disaster, such as a wildfire.

In a joint meeting Wednesday, the Public Works Commission and Public Safety Commission advanced a plan to do a test-run of sirens. The trial would involve the placement of trailers with pole-mounted speakers that can extend 30 feet high in various locations throughout Malibu — if city officials determine the trial-run a success, the city could explore installing similar technology on a more permanent basis.

Now, the City Council will consider giving the trial-run plan final approval at an upcoming meeting.

The temporary speakers can store up to 225 pre-recorded voice messages and also can emit a siren, according to ATI Systems, the Boston-based company that the city is working with for the project.

Commission members discussed their options during Wednesday's two-hour meeting. They aired concerns about whether permanently installed sirens would be feasible due to red-tape restrictions with the city and California Coastal Commission — or if existing phone and electronic alerts, or other options, would do a better job of alerting residents.

The project is being funded by a FEMA grant that the city sought in the aftermath of the Woolsey Fire.