26 October 2020
Southern Downs Regional Council will conduct annual routine testing of its Flood Emergency Warning Systems at Killarney and Leyburn on Friday 30 October 2020 between 9am and 1pm.
Council’s Local Disaster Coordinator, Michael Bell said the sirens will be audible for between 915 metres and 1,280 metres depending on weather conditions.
During the testing residents will hear the following pre-recorded test message:
Attention. Attention. This is a test of the public warning system. I repeat this is only a test.
Residents will hear a wailing tone similar to that of a commercial fire alarm.
Council emphasises to Killarney and Leyburn residents that the activation of the test message does not imply that the townships are under any immediate threat of flash flooding. However, any activation of the siren outside the stated times indicates a genuine emergency warning to the community.
The message in an emergency is:
Attention. Attention. This is a flood warning announcement. Avoid low lying areas. Move to higher ground now. I repeat move to higher ground now.
Public information sessions about the Flood Emergency Warning Systems have previously been held in Killarney and Leyburn and it is important that the community is aware of the warning system and what to do when they activate.
The two siren systems are located:
· Killarney Police Station, Ivy Street, Killarney
· Leyburn Police Station, Leyburn Forestry Road, Leyburn