Testing of the emergency public warning sirens near the Rogers, Hardy and Croton hydroelectric plants on the Muskegon River is occuring now. A Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) test will be sent at about the same time.
THIS IS ONLY A TEST. THERE IS NO EMERGENCY AND NO ACTION IS NEEDED.
WHAT YOU WILL HEAR
The siren test includes a voice message, a 30-second siren, and a second voice message. These sirens can only be heard near the river upstream from Devil's Hole.
WHAT YOU MAY ALSO HEAR
Phones with state and local test alerts enabled will receive a test message with a loud tone and vibration. The message will identify itself as a test.
To enable test alerts on your phone:
Apple: Settings > Notifications > Government Alerts > Test Alerts
Android: Settings > Safety and Emergency > Wireless Emergency Alerts > State and local tests
DURING THE TEST
Do not call 9-1-1 about the sirens or the alert. Call 9-1-1 only to report an actual emergency.
WHY WE TEST
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requires hydroelectric facilities to be able to quickly notify residents and visitors of any developing emergency at the plants. The sirens are tested each August and December. Outside of a test, the sirens are used only if the threat of a dam failure is imminent.
DURING A REAL EMERGENCY, expect 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 congestion 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.
Please share this information with neighbors and visitors along the river, particularly anyone who may not receive these notifications.
Questions may be directed to Newaygo County Emergency Services at 231-689-7354.
