Dam Drill Friday-What To Expect

Dam Failure Emergency Drill on Friday, August 17, 2018
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In the evening of Friday, August 17, 2018, Newaygo County will be testing the response to a dam failure emergency on the Muskegon River. “This emergency drill is a requirement of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and provides an opportunity for public safety to test response procedures,” stated Newaygo County Emergency Services Director Abby Watkins. During this exercise, homeowners and businesses within the identified dam failure inundation area can expect:

• To hear the dam failure sirens being tested
• To receive a Nixle alert with additional information on the simulated emergency activities taking place in the area   
• To see multiple public safety vehicles in the area, potentially including aircraft  
• Public Safety Officials conducting door-to-door notifications within the areas of the Hardy Dam Failure inundation area.

“A failure of the Hardy Dam would have devastating impacts to our community,” Watkins said. “This emergency drill will help educate those living below the dam on where to go, what to do, and what to expect during a catastrophic failure with the goal of keeping people safe.”  

Newaygo County Emergency Services would like to remind the community, during a real dam failure emergency:

• Areas on or immediately adjacent to the Muskegon River below the Hardy Dam are in an identified dam failure inundation area.  
• A FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL BE ISSUED! Flash Flood Warnings are urgent messages as dangerous flooding can develop very rapidly, with a serious threat to life and/or property. Flash Flood Warnings are usually issued minutes to hours in advance of the onset of flooding.
• LISTEN FOR THE DAM FAILURE SIRENS! The Dam Failure Public Warning Siren System below Hardy Dam to Devil’s Hole in Brooks Township would be activated. If you hear the siren, immediately evacuate to higher ground.  
• MONITOR NIXLE! 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. Dam failures are rapidly developing situations. Watch for rapidly changing water levels. Don’t wait for an evacuation directive if you feel threatened.
• EXPECT ALL BRIDGES CROSSING OVER THE MUSKEGON RIVER TO BE CLOSED!