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• "I think some people think that the media sort of overhypes the weather. And what they really count on is when the government starts these sirens. Then they know it's serious," Ponto said. "It was a question of if there is a more effective way of notifying people, giving them more specific information. But in fact, people want this."
• Other communities also have made improvements such as adding backup power sources and better monitoring systems. One manufacturer of weather, tsunami, industrial and other early warning systems said there has been

interest in communities from Wisconsin to Texas to update sirens that may be decades old and sometimes date back close to World War II.
• Ralph Nichols, sales director for Massachusetts-based Acoustic Technology Inc., said outdoor warning sirens play an important role in an emergency system that should include multiple ways to get alerts. Sirens provide warning to people who do not have mobile phones or cell phone reception and don't require people to sign up for special services. They also can be programmed to repeat verbal instructions.
• "When you hear something, that really generates a response -- whether you're crazy enough to want to stay and see a tornado or head for shelter," Nichols said.
• Improvements to the warning system are a priority in Joplin, where the city commemorated the first anniversary of last year's destructive tornado and is seeking to prevent a repeat tragedy.
• Keith Stammer, the emergency management director for Joplin and Jasper County, said sirens can be tested silently, reducing how often they are sounded and

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