COLUMBUS – Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security is looking for whoever caused unauthorized activations of several outdoor warning sirens last week.
The activations occurred at approximately midnight on Wednesday and Thursday in the far northwest section of Franklin County.
Agency staff shut down the activation and found no indication of any equipment failure.
Officials say they believe the activations were the result of “a malicious act initiated by someone who is close to the siren creating a condition to cause it to operate.”
Agency officials are working to identify whoever is responsible and are asking anyone with information regarding the acts or who has observed anyone acting in a manner that impacts the integrity of the system to notify FCEM&HS at 614 794-0213 or via email at fcemhs@franklincountyohio.gov.
“This is an unfortunate purposeful act by a local bad actor designed to impact the safety, security and peace of our community and if discovered, we will consult with law enforcement, regulatory authorities and legal counsel to take the appropriate action,” director Jeffrey Young said.
The sirens are part of a layered system to alert members of the public of the approach of severe weather.