Live testing of Redlynch Valley warning stations

The annual live siren testing in the Redlynch Valley will be on Saturday 23 September between 10am and 12pm.

Residents in Redlynch, Brinsmead and Freshwater are advised all nine sirens will be sounded and tested multiple times during this period.

This is a routine test only; residents are not required to take any evacuation action.

Division 6 Councillor Kristy Valley said that while residents did not need to take any action during the testing, it was a timely reminder to have a household emergency plan in place.

"While the likelihood of a dam failure is extremely low, Council's priority is always focused on the safety of our community and our visitors,” she said.

“Testing the sirens helps raise awareness and ensures that residents are prepared for any unlikely situation.

“It also helps to familiarise residents with the sound of the warning system, as well as talk to their family and friends about what they would do in the case of an emergency.”

Cr Valley also encouraged dog owners to prepare for the annual siren testing.

“Make sure your furry friends are secured at home and can’t escape, or if they are likely to react to the noise consider taking them to a friend’s house, dog park or other area away from the noise.”

Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the evacuation procedures and their individual emergency action plan.

The Copperlode Falls Dam Emergency Action Plan can be viewed via the ‘Copperlode Dam’ button at the Cairns Disaster Dashboard.

“Every household in Redlynch, Brinsmead and Freshwater should have received a hard copy of the Copperlode Dam evacuation guide, which explains how the early warning system works, maps the ‘red zones’ that are immediately downstream from the dam and evacuation points, and provides information about emergency alert services,” Cr Valley said.

Residents and business owners in the affected areas should take the following five key steps to prepare, share, and practice their emergency evacuation plan:

1. Learn about the early warning system and the siren sounds
2. Find out if you live in a ‘red zone’ immediately downstream from the dam
3. Know your nearest evacuation assembly point
4. Plot the fastest clear route to the evacuation assembly point
5. Understand that you must walk (not drive) in the event of an evacuation.

The Cairns Disaster Dashboard is your go-to place for info for information and advice during a disaster.

You can check the dashboard for updates on road conditions, weather, flood cameras, fire incidents, service outages and other emergency information.

• For more advice on preparing for natural disasters, visit Council’s website or follow the Cairns Disaster Group on Facebook.
• Residents are also encouraged to register for Cairns Alert via the home page of the Cairns Disaster Dashboard.
• Cairns Alert is an opt-in service that can be issued by the Cairns Disaster Group to send critical emergency information to mobile phones via text messages.

For enquiries or feedback, please email ewsproject@cairns.qld.gov.au or contact the Customer Service team on 1300 69 22 47.