Buchanan County already has experienced some tornado watches and warnings this year. As thunderstorms once again appear in this week's forecast, it bears the question: Are the city of St. Joseph's 20 public storm warning sirens doing their job?

Residents may want to keep their ears tuned to the skies during outdoor activities to listen to the sirens. If you're inside, however, you may have to work a little harder to get the warning.

St. Joseph Fire Department captain and Emergency Management Coordinator George Albert says the sirens are intended to be heard outside as a warning for those who aren't near a television or radio. "Those indoors should watch television or listen to the radio for information," Mr. Albert said.

The city has a contract with Blue Valley Public Safety, which provides the warning systems for St. Joseph. According to the BVPS map of sirens located in the city, there still are several areas without coverage. The Krug Park area just west of Roy's Branch is one of the areas indicated by the map that may not hear the warning depending on wind direction and other obstacles of sound.

Lauranda Mignery is a St. Joseph resident who visits Krug Park multiple times a week with her young children. The possibility of not hearing the sirens makes her nervous.

"It makes me wonder why they don't do something about it," Ms. Mignery said. "It seems like there are other things the city could wait to spend money on when people could be in danger here."

Mr. Albert is looking into the feasibility of buying new sirens for areas that are continually growing and growing out of the coverage areas. Currently he has one new siren on the budget to replace one currently in use. Until the budget gets approved in July, he won't know if that will happen.

The cost for a new siren is around $20,000, while the city pays around $10,000 a year just to maintain the ones they have. When the last two sirens were replaced, the city donated the old ones to the county. They were placed in the areas of Lake Contrary and the airport, which weren't covered before.

As for the sirens doing their job, Mr. Albert says they have had few problems this year. He tests the system the first Monday of every month.

"The biggest emphasis is the fact that they are meant to be heard outside," Mr. Albert said. "If you hear it, you should take cover indoors and check the television or radio."

Buying a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio is an option for those wanting more notice about storms.