SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council will conduct annual testing of its Flood Emergency Warning Systems at Killarney and Leyburn tomorrow, Wednesday 23 November and Thursday 24 November.
Southern Downs Regional Council’s Local Disaster co-ordinator Peter See said the testing would be held between 9am to noon at Killarney on Wednesday and between noon and 3pm at Leyburn on Thursday.
“The siren systems, one located at Killarney Fire Station in Ivy Street and the other located at Leyburn police station on Leyburn Forestry Road, are fixed sirens used to alert the community of an impending flood that may directly affect the community.
“The sirens are audible for between 915 metres and 1280 metres, depending on weather conditions,” he said.
During the testing, residents will hear the following pre-recorded test message – ‘Attention Attention, we will shortly conduct a test of the (location) warning system. This is only a test. I repeat this is only a test.’
“Residents will hear a wailing tone similar to that of a commercial fire alarm,” Mr See said.
“Council wants to emphasise to everyone in the Killarney and Leyburn areas that the activation of the test message does not imply that the township is under any immediate threat of flash flooding.
“However, council does want local people to know that any activation of the siren outside the stated times indicates that the township is at risk of flash flooding.
“Public information sessions about the Flood Emergency Warning Systems have previously been held at Killarney and Leyburn, and it is important that the community is aware of the warning systems and what to do when they activate.
For further information, contact council on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or visit council’s website www.sdrc.qld.gov.au.
