Alabama Power will test warning sirens installed downstream of Mitchell and Lay dams on Friday, Feb. 26, 2010. 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 for the test.

“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. The sirens are in place to warn residents to immediately move to higher ground if a problem were to occur,” Allison said.

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

For more information about Alabama Power reservoirs, go to https://lakes.alabamapower.com/ or call 1-800-LAKES11.

News Media Contact: Jan Ellis, 334-832-3305