Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) plans to test the siren warning systems at its Caldron Falls and High Falls hydroelectric dams near Crivitz on Wednesday, Dec. 8. Each facility’s warning sirens will sound for up to two minutes in the morning or early afternoon.
The sirens are installed at each dam as part of WPS and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) safety programs to alert residents and members of the public located downstream about an emergency at the Caldron Falls or High Falls facility.
In the event of an actual emergency at either dam, people are reminded to:
• Evacuate the area and move to higher ground.
• Avoid areas that are already flooded.
• Monitor local news organizations for weather information and updates.
Along with these tests, WPS rigorously monitors the safety of its 15 hydroelectric dams and the surrounding areas by performing regular inspections on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis.
If the tests are unable to occur Dec. 8, they will instead take place Wednesday, Dec. 15. More information about safety near hydroelectric dams can be found here.