Thursday wrapped up “Lightning Awareness Month,” but for officials of the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency and County school system, being prepared for lightning or other hazardous weather is never ending.

The Dallas County Board of Education held a meeting Wednesday evening to vote for the installation of outdoor emergency sirens at Shiloh, Salem and Five Points elementary schools and Paul M. Grist State Park.

Board superintendent Dr. Fannie McKenzie said the board is pleased with the decision.

“They (the sirens) will be helpful to schools as well as the community,” McKenzie said. “It’s another safety measure.”

Assistant superintendent Don Willingham said the sirens at those schools, which are located in rural areas, are much needed.

“A lot of rural areas get neglected,” Willingham said. “If this form of warning saves one life, then it’s money well spent.”

Dallas County EMA director Rhonda Abbott said according to the agency’s Hazard Mitigation plan, the goal for the county is to have sirens placed at each county school location and inside camping areas, such as Paul M. Grist State Park.

“When the grant opportunity arises, we try to meet goals specified in the plan,” Abbott said. “The sirens are intended for outdoor use, and we’re trying to put warning devices out there so others can be aware of danger.”

Abbott also said bids for the siren installations have been sent out and contracts will be awarded Wednesday. After the grants are issued, Abbott said the project should happen immediately.

“It’s not a big project and the process shouldn’t take long,” Abbott said. “Hopefully, we’re shooting for shortly after school begins.”

And concerning future safety measures, such as the installation of safety cameras inside county elementary schools, McKenzie said the board will assess those needs as funds become available.