COLUMBUS, Ohio — Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security says several outdoor warning sirens have recently been activated without permission.
Officials say the sirens have been activated around midnight over the past two nights in northwest Franklin County.
When FCEM & HS became aware of the sirens being activated, immediate action was taken to turn them off.
FCEM & HS says it has been determined that there was not an equipment failure. Officials say it's believed the sirens were activated by someone who did not have the authorization to use the system.
"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," Jeffrey J. Young, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, said. "We are very proud of the long history of reliability and functionality of the outdoor warning siren system that serves all of Franklin County. The system is constantly monitored, serviced, tested and maintained, and has been appropriately upgraded over the years. It is unfortunate that someone would choose to attack this public safety system.”
The purpose of the system is to make the public aware of when a tornado warning is issued.
Officials are continuing to resolve the problem and identify those who are responsible for activating the sirens.
Anyone with information about the person or persons responsible for activating the sirens is asked to contact the FCEM & HS at 614-794-0213 or fcemhs@franklincountyohio.gov.