Tuolumne Safe launches outdoor audible alert system project

Tuolumne Safe, a nonprofit organization based in Twain harte that restored the evacuation route on Mount Provo Road last year, announced the first phase of an effort to provide outdoor audible alert systems, or OAAS, in the communities of Strawberry, Cold Springs and Groveland.

Such systems will notify residents of an active emergency, such as a wildfire, via an array of longrange outdoor loudspeakers, Tuolumne Safe stated in a news release.

“We have to utilize all of our resources and partnerships to keep people safe,” Tuolumne County Sheriff Bill Pooley said in the news release. “This project will undoubtedly help save lives during an emergency.”

The release said the project is expected to cost $120,000, of which the group aims to raise $65,000 in donations from the community.

Donations already received include $40,000 from the technology provider HQE Systems, based in Temecula, and $10,000 in contributions from Shirley Horn; Rachel and Andrew Sabatine, of Around the Horn Brewing in Groveland; the Wemmer family and staff of Miner’s Mart in Big Oak Flat; and a forthcoming donation from TUCARE’S Community Wildfire Protection Fund, the release said.

“We do not want to end up as another Paradise, which suffered a tragic loss of 86 lives in the Camp Fire”, said Tuolumne Safe Director Terry Northcutt. “This network of systems will save lives if we ever find ourselves in such a situation.”

The release said Tuolumne Safe has secured installation locations in partnership with the TriDam Project in Strawberry, Cold Springs Water Co. in Cold Springs, and Groveland Community Services District in Groveland.

Future plans are to have every community stationed with audible alert systems, the release stated.

Tuolumne Safe is coordinating with the county Sheriff’s Office and Office of Emergency Services to partner in public education aimed at helping residents understand what the audio sounds projected from the system mean.

“Audible emergency alert systems are lifesaving tools that are under control of the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office,” said Anaiah Kirk, president of Tuolumne Safe and District 3 county supervisor, who recently announced his bid for re-election next year. “An alert will sound, and people will know that they need to immediately look for information related to their safety.”

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, go online to www.tuolumnesafe.org.