By THOMAS P. WEAVER

HORIZON Editor

CELINA-When many shared the panoramic view of Celina posted on social media over the weekend by the Clay County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), they probably did so thinking it was one of the most breathtaking views of the city they had witnessed.

While the photo was definitely worthy of the designation, its origin serves a greater purpose.

“It is actually designed for weather,” Clay County assistant EMA director Chris Hayes said of the tower camera, which has overlooked the city here for the last year.  “We use it to monitor weather coming in and out of the area.

“It is a crucial part of our alert system, and it helps us keep the public safe and informed.”

Hayes explained the tower cam, which can be manipulated 360 degrees from its vantage point high above Celina, was a part of a nationwide network.

“We have access to click on cameras in other counties and even other states to check the weather coming into our area,” Hayes said.  “We keep ours up 24/7 and, when weather is coming in, we will also start monitoring others.

“It also has a radar system that helps us track the weather coming through.”

Hayes said the camera was provided to the local agency by the Upper Cumberland Healthcare Coalition (UCHC), which serves as this region’s part of a state-funded collaborative network of healthcare organizations and their respective public and private sector response partners.

“They are a big help,” Hayes said of the UCHC.  “We also recently received a sign through them.”

The electronic variable message sign will serve as another avenue for Clay County EMA to alert the public, in conjunction with their social media, tornado sirens, and other communication methods.

Hayes also said the local agency was currently looking to add more sirens around the county.

“We are currently working on getting more tornado sirens for this area as well,” Hayes said.  “We want to expand into other communities across the county.”

Clay County currently has three sirens, with two located in Celina and one in Hermitage Springs.

For more information about Clay County EMA, follow their Facebook page or give Hayes or director Kyle Haney a call at 931-243-3000.