By NICOLE LOGGINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – On Feb. 7, Columbiana’s city council approved a new tornado siren policy for the city.

The resolution states that in the event of threatening weather, the dispatcher on duty will monitor local television broadcasts, weather radio and weather websites for warnings issued in the Columbiana area.

“The changes in our policy reflect the concerns expressed at the meeting that I held on Jan. 3. We sincerely hope this gives our residents the greatest level of public safety available,” Mayor Allan Lowe stated.

In the event that the City of Columbiana appears inside the polygon, provided by the National Weather Service, where a tornado warning has been issued, the weather sirens will be activated according to the new policy.

“I did instruct the public safety committee to put our entire severe weather response policy in writing,” Lowe said. “We want everything covered, from early warning, to events during the storm and also rescue and recovery plans.”