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Helnl Radio-Television News Service
9/13/50
SI REM BAN EVOKES A NOISE HEADACHE
The ban on the sounding of sirens, which went Into effect at 8 A.M. yesterday, (Tues., Sept. 12) in New York City under the State's Civil Defense Law, brought with it unexpected difficulties.
Radio stations, banks, department stores and volunteer fire companies operating in the city were seeking substitutes for sirens, which now may be used only to signal an air raid*
Inquiries from groups that use sirens as burglar alarms, for sound effects in radio programs and to call volunteers to fight fires were told at City Hall, according to The New York Times, by the office of Arthur W. Wallander, City Director of CivilDefense, that they would have to install bells or other alarm systems that did not sound like sirens.
Any sounding of sirens, henceforth, will indicate air raids. For the present if such a warning becomes necessary the alarm will be sounded from Police and Fire Department vehicles. Later it is planned to set up large air-raid sirens.
Although the Columbia Broadcasting System, the Mutual Broad¬ casting System and the National Broadcasting Company said that they would abide by the defense law order, the American E roadcasting Co. said it planned to continue such sound effects Xirherever programs call¬ ed for them. A spokesman added "they will be heard only for a few seconds" .
A radio and television landmark affected by the order is the screaming siren that heralded the NBC program sponsored by the Texas Company and starring Milton Berle on television. "G-ang Busters" another radio show on CBS, also will be without its familiar siren.
While perturbed officers of banks and stores are replacing their burglar alarm systems, volunteer fire companies in four boroughs who have used sirens to alert members must also set up a new method.
In Staten Island two such companies expect to use a x^histle alarm. Seven other companies are still undecided on what they will do.
Police Chief of Staff August W. Flath reported that he did not expect any serious impediment to police vehicles because of the ban. He pointed out that horns and flashing red lights atop police cars would speed them through traffic. Police vehicles used this technique before the advent of sirens.
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