Agencies plan dam warning system test

The Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), with coordination from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s 911 Dispatch Center, is planning a test of the Flower Creek Dam Warning System siren.

The test will come at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 2, which is during the regular monthly AM 530 testing.

Residents are encouraged to step outside, listen for the new siren, and follow standard procedures by tuning to 530-AM radio for instructions and information and proceed as instructed, as if it were an actual emergency.

If persons do not have the capability to tune to the radio, information is available at KLCB, the Lincoln County Website, or the EMA’s NEW Interactive website (www.lcema.yolasite.com).

Education Outreach on the Flower Creek Dam, the sirens, and warning system will start after the testing.

Persons are urged to pay attention to the newspapers, radio stations, and Websites referenced above for more details on the educational details.

Potential hazards during a spring runoff or an ice jam can generate floods. Ice jams occur when the water thaws and pushes the still-frozen water down stream, creating a dam. As the dam breaks apart or thaws, a surge of water escapes and floods the stream.

The responsibility of informing the public falls on the shoulders of the LCEMA, led by EMA Director Vic White and EMA Deputy/Flood Plain Manager Lisa Oedewaldt, to predict and plan for local disasters.

In efforts to protect the community from flood damage, the drill will test communication in dealing with a potential disaster.

Last fall, the city installed low- and high-water sensors at the dam to monitor the dam. Also, there is a camera to monitor levels, all to give residents below the reservoir time to react to a breach.