Testing to take place at Chilhowee and Santeetlah
Brookfield Renewable announced that it will be testing its Public Warning System at their Chilhowee Hydropower facility on Wednesday – at or around 9 a.m. – and will be also testing their Public Warning System at Santeetlah Hydropower at or around 1 p.m. Wednesday.
The Public Warning System was installed as a proactive measure by Brookfield to give warning to residents – and those utilizing the waterway for recreation in the area and downstream – time to quickly leave the area for higher ground and safety in the event of dam failure.
“Public safety is our number one priority, and we consistently test our systems to ensure they are ready to go when necessary," said Brian Noonan, manager of public relations for Smoky Mountain Hydro. "In this case, we wanted to let people know beforehand that this is a scheduled test to avoid any confusion or unnecessary fear.”
About the Public Warning System
These public warning systems are designed specifically to alert the public of dam failure. Residents and recreators should be aware that there is another siren at both the Santeetlah facility as well as Chilhowe that are utilized to notify those utilizing the waterway for recreation of rising water levels that are forthcoming. These systems also include a voice announcement that “water levels are rising” as well as flashing lights visible to those beneath the dam. There is a significant, noticeable difference in volume and sound between the two sirens. Additionally, the dam failure public warning system has a much further reach and distinct sound when compared to the more localized siren used to warn recreators of rising water levels.
The siren system is an Outdoor Public Alert System equipped with:
* Siren & Voice capabilities
* Omni-directional speakers
* Radio antenna
* Electronic/Radio panels
* Solar panels for Hwy. 129 siren pole
Additionally, these sirens can be activated remotely from the Brookfield System Control Center, or locally.
What To Do If You Hear This Public Warning System’s Siren Go Off
If you are in proximity of this siren – whether utilizing the waterway for recreation or your home is in the located near the dam – and you hear the siren in this Public Warning System go off, stop whatever you’re doing and go for higher ground immediately. The system is designed to go off leaving people with time to exit the vicinity safely, but no time should be spared in being prepared to exit.