Early Warning System put to the test

Live testing of nine outdoor early warning stations installed as part of Council’s Copperlode Falls Dam Emergency Action Plan will occur on Wednesday 9 October between 10am and 2pm.

The test will ensure the sirens, installed earlier this year, work as expected and that the sound can be heard throughout the likely affected area. It is not an evacuation drill.

Mayor Bob Manning said while residents do not need to take any action during the testing, it was a timely reminder to have a household emergency plan in place.

“It’s highly unlikely that we will ever face a dam-related emergency, but that doesn’t mean we can be complacent,” Cr Manning said.

“Everyone is ultimately responsible for their safety and the safety of their families and I urge residents to take this opportunity to use the information Council has sent out to put a plan in place.”

Nine outdoor warning stations have been installed throughout the Redlynch Valley from Crystal Cascades to Brinsmead, as one component of the Copperlode Falls Dam Emergency Action Plan Early Warning System.

The sirens have two elements: a voice notification and a siren tone.

During the testing, each outdoor warning station will be sounded individually (twice) starting with the station located at Crystal Cascades, working back toward Brinsmead until all stations have been individually tested. The test at each station will last around 40 seconds.

Once each station is individually tested, all stations will be tested together (twice).

Division 6 Councillor Linda Cooper said while a dam-related emergency was very unlikely, Council’s first priority was the safety of the community.

“I want to stress that this is a test, and residents should not panic when they hear the sirens,” Cr Cooper said

“But it’s important that residents and visitors alike familiarise themselves with the sound of the warning system as well as talk to their family and friends about what they would do in the case of an emergency,” Cr Cooper said.

“Each household should have received a copy of the Early Warning System maps earlier this year, which explain what to do in an emergency situation, the location of the sirens as well as other important information.

“It is also important to make sure your furry friends are taken care of during the live testing. Make sure they are secured at home and can’t escape, or if they are likely to react to the noise consider taking them to a friend’s house, dog park or other area away from the noise.”

Siren testing will be conducted annually.