Tacoma Power and the Mason County Division of Emergency Management (DEM) will conduct a coordinated test of their emergency notification systems at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5. The test should last approximately 90 seconds.
Tacoma Power’s emergency siren at the Cushman No. 2 Dam will sound at 1 p.m. and include an announcement of the test.
Immediately following the siren test, Mason County DEM will send a message through their new notification system.
Mason County residents and visitors are encouraged to register for the system by April 5 so they can participate in the test.
“The system is not only for hydro project emergencies; it allows Mason County DEM to notify users of all local emergencies and significant non-emergency incidents,” said Mason County Emergency Information & Services Manager Ross McDowell.
To register:
- Visit www.co.mason.wa.us
- Click on “Emergency Alerts” in the top right corner (below the search box)
- Click the “Sign Up” button to register (check the “Cushman Dam Water Releases” box when registering to receive dam-related information)
- Alternatively, call (360) 427-7535 and leave a message with your contact information. A member of Mason County DEM will return your call and finalize your registration.
Users must register to receive the alerts and may choose to be notified by cell phone, landline, text message and/or email.
This marks the first time the organizations have synchronized their testing efforts.
“Public safety is our number one priority,” said Tacoma Power Chief Dam Safety Engineer Toby Brewer. “While we have a robust Emergency Action Plan in place, the success of these systems in helping to keep people safe depends on all of us working together.”
People can contact Mason County DEM at (360) 427-7535 or Tacoma Power at (253) 396-3066 with questions.