It thrilled us to learn from News staff writer Steve Schulwitz’s recent report that Northeast Michigan emergency leaders are working to upgrade emergency alert systems throughout the region.

The devastation from the May 20 tornado that struck Gaylord — which left two people dead, injured 44, and caused widespread damage — showed the importance of those emergency alert systems. In Otsego County, a smartphone message warned people of the impending danger, but the county has no emergency sirens.

Alpena County has both sirens and smartphone alerts.

Alcona County has sirens but is working to install a smartphone alert system.

Montmorency County has no sirens, but has an electronic emergency alert system it’s working to expand.

Presque Isle County has an electronic emergency alert system, but is exploring whether to also install sirens.

We’re glad to see our emergency officials working to expand the number of people who can be alerted in case of an emergency, and expand the ways in which those people can be alerted.

In situations like the storm that pummeled Gaylord, seconds count, and we’re thrilled to see our leaders working to make sure our residents have as much time as possible to get to safety.