Siren test set for Saturday at noon

Saturday, August 6 at noon the Hot Springs County Outdoor Alert Sirens will be tested. This test will demonstrate the “Hi-Lo” tone. This particular signal will be used only for the very unlikely event of a Boysen Dam collapse. This test signal will go out for 3 minutes.

If the siren were heard and was not a test, it would be accompanied by messages from your Hot Springs County CodeRED, messages on NOAA All-Hazard Radios, messages from the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) which would hit every device in the county, regardless of whether the person is a resident or tourist. Messages would also interrupt cable TV and broadcast radio stations.

The effects of such flooding would be devastating to our town and county. Water would begin arriving within 30 minutes of public notification. Due to the narrows under the swinging bridge in the State Park, water would reach depths of over 70 feet in Thermopolis. How long it would take for the waters to recede is unknown.

Evacuation would be the only course of action, using Highway 120 West toward Cody and Highway 20 North toward Worland. Eventually, Highway 20 North would no longer be available.

There would not be time for any public shelters so evacuees would need to leave for other locations, such as relatives or friends in other towns or states. Heading on foot to adjacent high ground would lead to people being stranded. The only way to evacuate would be in a vehicle. Hot Springs Emergency Management Coordinator, Bill Gordon, says, “I cannot recommend any action more strongly than a Family Emergency Plan. Do not stop to call 911. Grab some things, your kids, your pets and evacuate immediately. For those people unable to evacuate themselves, set up a plan with family, friends or neighbors to help you.” Gordon continued, “Though such an event is very unlikely, its effects on this county would be devastating and long term. There is no choice but to look this 900-pound gorilla in the eye and deal with it.”

The Hot Springs County Local Emergency Planning Committee, which meets monthly, is developing a program of public education for this disaster. If you are interested in sitting in or participating, the LEPC will meet again at Thermopolis Fire Hall on August 10 at 1:30 p.m.