The Thunderbolt line of outdoor warning sirens, first produced during the Cold War, is being replaced all over America by modern sirens. Many of the sirens being replaced are in amazing condition and are being replaced for only one reason - their age.
There are a myriad of reasons why thousands of people, maybe more, love the original Thunderbolt sirens:
1. The Thunderbolts have a sound that people throughout the ages have associated with disaster, and that alone has a major impact on the number of people who choose to seek shelter during a disaster.
2. Many of the Thunderbolts produced during the Cold War are still in full working condition and have served the communities they are in faithfully since they were commissioned over forty years ago.
3. The Thunderbolt siren has become a part of America's identity. Since their commission, people have heard the cry of the Thunderbolt and knew right away to go to a safe location.
The Thunderbolt sirens have risen to the call of duty hundreds of times over the decades. People all over the country realize a disaster is looming, heed the warning blasted through the community, and race to shelter faster than a speeding bullet when the majestic wail of a Thunderbolt siren penetrates the air.
Many warning sirens produced recently have failed to perform when called on. The call of a modern siren goes unnoticed. The siren itself refuses to raise the alarm when disaster approaches. The message is not conveyed, and people throughout the region find out much too late.
We urge you to bring back the noble, faithful, and long-lasting Thunderbolt warning sirens. The Thunderbolt is a part of who the American people are - a part that should never be allowed to die.
The consistency of these sirens has served our communities for decades and their cultural importance cannot be overstated. I am currently organizing the feedback from your comments to present a formal case for preserving these historical devices. Your shared memories regarding the reliability of the Thunderbolt siren highlight the necessity of this campaign.
February 26, 2012
The momentum behind this effort has grown substantially in recent days. Your appreciation for the historic role of the Thunderbolt siren confirms that its presence in our communities remains a matter of public importance.
16 Comments
C
Cruz
11 years ago
Featured
The thunderbolt should not be brought back. It is an outdated siren. Sure just because it sounds nice doesn't mean we should have it made again. Plus, there are many fail points on such a siren. From the motor control cabinet to the 3 motors. The is no way to make it maintaince-free. You have to oil the roots blower, the rotation drive once every two years for it to work properly. And with my experience working on a thunderbolt, they are a PITA to troubleshoot. , honestly I like the siren itself, but it is not worth redesigning it.
M
max
11 years ago
Featured
I strongly agree that the thunderbolt siren should be brought back. Recently the thunderbolt sirens in my community have been replaced with American signal t-128 sirens. They are not bad sirens, but I like the thunderbolts better. They are very good quality sirens.
K
Kevin Jackson
16 years ago
Featured
they should keep a few around for historical sake at least. pretty sad to see them all getting scrapped
J
Jason Fuentes
16 years ago
Featured
BRING BACK THE CHOPPER SIRENS. modern ones are way too quiet and easy to ignore.
S
Sarah Vogel
16 years ago
Featured
i grew up listening to these and they actually get your attention when a storm is coming. why replace something that works perfectly fine?
M
Mike Taylor
16 years ago
Featured
nothing beats the dual tone wail of a 1003. these new electronic ones sound like a dying toaster compared to the real deal
T
Thunderbolt 1000
1 year ago
I am a Thunderbolt
T
Thunderbolt 1003
1 year ago
LONG LIVE THE THUNDERBOLT 1000, 1000T, and the 1003.
The Thunderbolt line of outdoor warning sirens, first produced during the Cold War, is being replaced all over America by modern sirens. Many of the sirens being replaced are in amazing condition and are being replaced for only one reason - their age.
There are a myriad of reasons why thousands of people, maybe more, love the original Thunderbolt sirens:
1. The Thunderbolts have a sound that people throughout the ages have associated with disaster, and that alone has a major impact on the number of people who choose to seek shelter during a disaster.
2. Many of the Thunderbolts produced during the Cold War are still in full working condition and have served the communities they are in faithfully since they were commissioned over forty years ago.
3. The Thunderbolt siren has become a part of America's identity. Since their commission, people have heard the cry of the Thunderbolt and knew right away to go to a safe location.
The Thunderbolt sirens have risen to the call of duty hundreds of times over the decades. People all over the country realize a disaster is looming, heed the warning blasted through the community, and race to shelter faster than a speeding bullet when the majestic wail of a Thunderbolt siren penetrates the air.
Many warning sirens produced recently have failed to perform when called on. The call of a modern siren goes unnoticed. The siren itself refuses to raise the alarm when disaster approaches. The message is not conveyed, and people throughout the region find out much too late.
We urge you to bring back the noble, faithful, and long-lasting Thunderbolt warning sirens. The Thunderbolt is a part of who the American people are - a part that should never be allowed to die.
The consistency of these sirens has served our communities for decades and their cultural importance cannot be overstated. I am currently organizing the feedback from your comments to present a formal case for preserving these historical devices. Your shared memories regarding the reliability of the Thunderbolt siren highlight the necessity of this campaign.
February 26, 2012
The momentum behind this effort has grown substantially in recent days. Your appreciation for the historic role of the Thunderbolt siren confirms that its presence in our communities remains a matter of public importance.
16 Comments
C
Cruz
11 years ago
Featured
The thunderbolt should not be brought back. It is an outdated siren. Sure just because it sounds nice doesn't mean we should have it made again. Plus, there are many fail points on such a siren. From the motor control cabinet to the 3 motors. The is no way to make it maintaince-free. You have to oil the roots blower, the rotation drive once every two years for it to work properly. And with my experience working on a thunderbolt, they are a PITA to troubleshoot. , honestly I like the siren itself, but it is not worth redesigning it.
M
max
11 years ago
Featured
I strongly agree that the thunderbolt siren should be brought back. Recently the thunderbolt sirens in my community have been replaced with American signal t-128 sirens. They are not bad sirens, but I like the thunderbolts better. They are very good quality sirens.
K
Kevin Jackson
16 years ago
Featured
they should keep a few around for historical sake at least. pretty sad to see them all getting scrapped
J
Jason Fuentes
16 years ago
Featured
BRING BACK THE CHOPPER SIRENS. modern ones are way too quiet and easy to ignore.
S
Sarah Vogel
16 years ago
Featured
i grew up listening to these and they actually get your attention when a storm is coming. why replace something that works perfectly fine?
M
Mike Taylor
16 years ago
Featured
nothing beats the dual tone wail of a 1003. these new electronic ones sound like a dying toaster compared to the real deal
T
Thunderbolt 1000
1 year ago
I am a Thunderbolt
T
Thunderbolt 1003
1 year ago
LONG LIVE THE THUNDERBOLT 1000, 1000T, and the 1003.
The thunderbolt should not be brought back. It is an outdated siren. Sure just because it sounds nice doesn't mean we should have it made again. Plus, there are many fail points on such a siren. From the motor control cabinet to the 3 motors. The is no way to make it maintaince-free. You have to oil the roots blower, the rotation drive once every two years for it to work properly. And with my experience working on a thunderbolt, they are a PITA to troubleshoot. , honestly I like the siren itself, but it is not worth redesigning it.