NEWAYGO COUNTY, Mich. — You may have heard some sirens in Newaygo County Wednesday morning. But officials say not to worry.
The emergency public warning systems near Consumers Energy's Rogers, Hardy and Croton hydroelectric generating plants on the Muskegon River were tested Wednesday.
The sirens are always tested twice a year, in August and December. It included a voice message, a 30-second siren and a second voice message.
If your phone is set to get state and local tests, you may have also received a text message with a tone and vibrations. The message read: “TEST, TEST, TEST. This is a test as a part of the annual Dam Failure Drill. This is only a test.”
You do not need to do anything during the tests, officials say. They ask not to call 911 to ask if the sirens are only a test.
Typically, the sirens will only be used if the threat of a dam failure is imminent at a facility.
In a real emergency, officials say to take the following steps:
- WHEN THE SIREN SOUNDS, GET TO HIGHER GROUND! Anyone near the river should immediately leave the area and get to higher ground.
- THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL ISSUE A FLASH FLOOD WARNING! Expect a Flash Flood Warning to be issued by the National Weather Service.
- ADDITIONAL WARNING INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED VIA NIXLE. Nixle is the County’s Alert and Notification System. You can subscribe for FREE by texting NewaygoES to 888777.
- DON’T WAIT TO EVACUATE! Do not wait to be directed by public safety officials to leave. Evacuating the dam failure inundation area early helps public safety keep roads clear of congestions and lets emergency officials move more freely to protect the area.
- FOLLOW EVACUATION ORDERS! Areas close to the Muskegon River may be directed to evacuate quickly by public safety officials. Leave immediately and follow established routes and instructions to avoid getting caught in rapidly rising water or road congestion. Do not leave your pets behind.
- WATCH FOR RAPIDLY RISING WATER! Water levels can change quickly. Be alert for washed out roads and bridges. Do not drive into water covering the road or flooded areas and Stay away from downed power lines. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- ONLY CALL 9-1-1 to report a life threatening condition.
