This Is A Test…Siren Tests Scheduled For Thursday…

Emergency response officials from Benton and Franklin Counties, Energy Northwest and the Department of Energy, will be conducting annual siren tests this Thursday, October 17th, between 10 a.m. and noon.

Sirens will be tested along the Columbia and Yakima rivers and in portions of both Benton and Franklin counties within about 10 miles of Columbia Generating Station. The 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.

The siren system will be tested several times.  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.

There will also be a test of the Emergency Alert System at 10:17 a.m

Benton and Franklin Counties will also test their CodeRed System for residents living within approximately 10 miles of Columbia Generating Station only, this will not be a county wide test.  CodeRed is an Electronic Telephone Notification System that allows residents in both Benton and Franklin Counties to be notified personally in the unlikely event of an emergency. You 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  

If you have questions about these tests, please contact your county’s emergency management officials.

In Benton County, call (509) 628-2600.

In Franklin County, call: (509) 545-3546.