NEWAYGO COUNTY, Mich. — You may hear a siren in Newaygo and Mecosta counties next week. Here's why.
County officials say there will be a dam failure siren test on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at around 9 a.m. near Roger, Hardy and Croton Dams.
The hydroelectric facilities will be tested, which are their systems to quickly notify residents if a dam failure is imminent.
This is the second test of the year. They're tested every August and December.
The test will include a voice message, a 30-second siren and a second voice message.
Officials say this is only a test. You do not need to take any action, and 911 should only be used if there's an emergency during this time.
If this were a real emergency, officials say you should do the following:
- 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.
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