For the past seven decades, through heat, cold, rain and snow, a group of sirens have turned in 24/7 duty throughout Sedgwick County. Known as “Thunderbolt sirens,” the bright yellow devices – with their distinct shape of a narrow neck morphing into an oversized square horn – were the iconic symbol of the civil defense era of the 1950s. It was a time when the government and citizens alike were on edge about a possible Russian nuclear attack. Over the years, some, but not all, have been replaced by more updated versions, and their roles have expanded from an air raid warning to vital storm and severe weather alerts. There were about 80 Thunderbolt sirens in the county. While their numbers have decreased to about 60 now, they still have a role to play.
Source: Derby Informer | News
