BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Feb. 10, 2009 - Alabama Power Company will test warning sirens installed downstream of Mitchell and Lay dams on Friday, Feb. 27, 2009.  The sirens will be sounded at or around noon and will be preceded by a voice announcement.

The sirens are in place to warn residents living downstream of the dams in the unlikely event of a structural failure at either dam.  Residents do not need to take any action when the warning sirens sound.

“The dams are in excellent condition,” said Gene Allison, Hydro General Manager.  “The tests are simply an annual requirement of Alabama Power by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which licenses the dams.  If there ever were a problem at either dam, the sirens would warn residents to immediately move to higher ground.” Allison said.

The sirens are located one-half to three-quarters of a mile downstream from the dams.  They are different warning devices than the horns located on the dams to warn the public of sudden water discharges when a turbine is activated or a spillway gate is opened.

Anyone wanting more information on Alabama Power’s reservoirs may call 1-800-LAKES11.

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Media Contact: Jan Ellis, 334.832.3305, jsellis@southernco.com