Fayette County will soon have a new severe weather warning system.

But for now, that "system" will consist of one warning siren placed near the center of the county, in the Rivers Road area.

The county had applied for a $1.2 million federal grant to install a complete warning system, with sirens placed where they could be heard anywhere in the county, but the available funds were spread over several metro Atlanta counties, and Fayette's share was only $109,000, and 25 percent must come from local governments.

"It's obvious that it wouldn't provide for a significant amount of infrastructure," said Jack Krakeel, director of the department of fire and emergency services.

Part of the money will go toward modifying and coordinating radio systems among Fayette's and its cities' emergency services. That cost is about $99,000, said Krakeel. The county and local cities will have to commit more than 25 percent of the grant in order to modify radios and erect one tower.

"You're looking at about $48,000 in expenditures," said Krakeel. County commissioners last week agreed to pay the county's share of that cost, and Fayetteville Monday voted to kick in a portion. Peachtree City and Tyrone also are expected to pay a share.

Krakeel said his department will continue to look for grants and other funds to complete the system over time.

The siren that will be erected is capable of being tested silently, Krakeel said, so residents won't be lulled into complacency by hearing frequent tests. If the siren goes off, it's signaling approaching weather, he said.

The county also recently signed a new cable franchise agreement with MediaOne that will give emergency workers the capability of flashing warnings on residents' television sets in case of severe weather.

But county manager Billy Beckett cautioned that preventing injuries and deaths in severe weather will require a multi-pronged approach, including the sirens, televised warnings and individual efforts to be informed.