For the Tomahawk Leader
TOMAHAWK — Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) is planning to test the siren warning system at its Jersey hydroelectric power plant near Tomahawk on Thursday, Oct. 27.
A Tuesday, Oct. 25 release from WPS said the facility’s warning sirens will sound for up to two minutes at 11 a.m. that day.
“The sirens are installed at the plant as part of WPS and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) safety programs,” WPS stated. “The sirens are designed to alert residents and members of the public located downstream about an emergency at the facility.”
WPS said that in the event of an actual emergency at the plant, people are reminded to evacuate the area and move to higher ground, avoid areas that are already flooded and monitor local news organizations for weather information and updates.
“Along with this test, 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,” WPS stated.
Residents with questions about the siren test can contact WPS customer service at 800-450-7260.
More information about safety near hydroelectric dams can be found at www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/safety/dam.