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Annual Siren Tests Scheduled for Oct. 17

 

Kelly Rae, Public Affairs, 509-372-5376           
Carla Martinez, Public Affairs, 509-372-5156

 
RICHLAND, Wash. – Energy Northwest, emergency response officials from Benton and Franklin counties, and the Department of Energy will conduct annual siren tests Thursday, Oct. 17, between 10 a.m. and noon.
 
Testing will include sirens along the Columbia and Yakima rivers and in portions of both Benton and Franklin counties within about 10 miles of the Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant. The siren test will be heard throughout these areas and along the Columbia River between the Vernita Bridge and Leslie Groves Park in north Richland. Sirens will also be heard at the Horn Rapids Off-Road Vehicle Park, the firing range on Horn Road, Columbia Generating Station and adjoining areas.
 
Officials will test the siren system multiple times, and each test will be preceded and followed by voice announcements confirming that the siren activation is part of a test. Energy Northwest representatives may be located near each siren to confirm proper operation. Periodic siren tests are conducted to test emergency equipment and train workers on emergency response procedures.
 
No public response is required during these tests.
 
Additionally, there will be a test of the Emergency Alert System at mid-morning on Thursday. In an actual emergency, county officials would activate the Emergency Alert System and broadcast information to the public over local radio and television stations. Sirens located in the areas previously described would also activate in the unlikely event of an actual emergency. Residents with questions about these tests should contact their respective county’s emergency management officials. In Benton County, call (509) 628-2600; in Franklin County, call (509) 545-3546.    

Additionally, Benton and Franklin Counties utilize an Electronic Telephone Notification System called CodeRED that will also be tested on October 17. This system allows residents in both Benton and Franklin Counties to be notified personally in the unlikely event of an emergency. Residents are encouraged to sign up for this free system by clicking on the CodeRED logo at these websites: 
 
Benton County Residents: www.bces.wa.gov
 
Franklin County Residents: www.franklinem.org
 
About Energy Northwest                
Energy Northwest owns and operates a diverse mix of 100 percent clean electricity generating resources: hydro, solar and wind projects, and the third-largest provider of electricity in Washington – the Columbia Generating Station nuclear power facility. These projects provide carbon-free electricity at the cost of generation – enough clean, cost-effective and reliable energy to power more than a million homes each year. As an independent joint action agency of Washington state, Energy Northwest comprises 27 public power member utilities from across the state serving more than 1.5 million customers. The agency continually explores new generation projects to meet its members’ needs.
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