MILFORD, CT — The Shoreline Early Warning System in Milford is receiving a boost from the state, according to a statement from Sen. James Maroney.
The State Bond Commission approved a $56,000 grant for the system, which notifies residents of impending storms, floods and other emergencies.
The current siren system is outdated and unreliable, with equipment in service for decades and beyond its intended lifecycle, according to the statement. If it is not updated and fixed, the system could present operational risks particularly during major storms.
The grant is to ensure that the city maintains a reliable, modern emergency warning system.
"This funding will strengthen life safety and evacuation effectiveness, enhance coastal resiliency and emergency preparedness, and ensure a rapid and reliable dissemination of critical information," Maroney said in a statement. "Our early warning system has served residents well for decades, but the equipment is aging and that's not something we can afford when it comes to protecting lives during a hurricane or major coastal storm. With 17 miles of coastline, Milford is one of the most vulnerable communities in Connecticut and this funding ensures our residents will continue to have the modern, dependable warning system they deserve."
Milford currently operates a shoreline early warning siren network that provides immediate, audible emergency notifications to residents and visitors during coastal storms, hurricanes, flooding, and evacuation events.
The system consists of six pole-mounted dual-horn sirens capable of broadcasting siren tones followed by recorded or live voice instructions.
The sirens are located at Sand Street, Naugatuck Avenue and East Broadway, James Street, Bay Shore Drive, Morehouse Avenue, and Hillside Avenue and Edgefield Avenue.
Milford has about 17 miles of coastline along Long Island Sound and the Housatonic River, placing it among Connecticut's most storm and flood-vulnerable shoreline communities.
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