HIGH RIVER, AB: The Town will be performing a regularly scheduled test of its emergency notification systems at 12 noon on Wednesday, Nov. 5. This is part of the Town’s emergency preparedness plan and will include a test of the permanent siren and High River Alert system.
The two outdoor sirens are located at the Fire Hall (1010 5 Street S.E.) and on Riverside Drive N.W. The permanent siren is meant for outdoor notifications only and most people will not be able to hear it inside. Tests of this siren have typically lasted 1-3 minutes but, in a real emergency the siren will sound continuously.
The High River Alert notification system will be tested in tandem with the sirens. The system allows you to opt-in to receive emergency notifications via phone calls, text messaging and e-mail. All High River residents are strongly encouraged to subscribe to this system.
Based on feedback from the previous test of the High River Alert system, the town has updated the call display to a local number. Telephone notifications will now be sent from call display 403-652-1536 and text message notifications will be sent from call display 89362. Subscribers can save these numbers in their contacts as “High River ALERT.”
Current subscribers of the High River Alert system will receive a test notification on Nov. 5. Please ensure that you follow the prompts and confirm receipt of the test or the system will keep trying to reach you. Please do not call the above listed phone number as the system is automated and there will be no ability to leave a voice mail.
The sirens and alert will continue to be tested quarterly on the first Wednesday of the month. The next test is scheduled for February 4, 2015.
In the event the sirens are activated to warn of a real emergency, more information and instructions will be provided by the Town.
Anyone hearing the sirens should:
· Tune in to local television and radio stations (Sun Country 99.7 FM, Eagle 100.9 FM and AM1140)
· Log on to the Town website at www.highriver.ca, Facebook.com/highriver.ca, and Twitter @TownofHighRiver
· Look for notifications from High River ALERT or Alberta Emergency Alert
· If it’s safe to do so, notify neighbours, friends and family of the situation who may not have heard the siren
For more information on the Town’s emergency notification systems or to sign up for High River Alert, please visit www.highriver.ca and click ‘High River Emergency Management’ under the ‘Residents’ tab.