The Launceston Flood Siren will be tested on 1 April 2011 at midday.  The siren is tested twice a year in line with day light savings changes.

"As demonstrated by the events of last Friday, it’s important for both residents and responding agencies to be well practiced in preparing for a major flooding event," said Northern District Commander Richard Cowling.

The flood siren is used to warn residents in the Invermay and Inveresk areas of the need to evacuate during a major flood.  These areas are particularly flood prone.  In the event of a major flood, approximately 3000 residents and up to 270 businesses would require evacuation from the Invermay/Inveresk area.

“It wasn’t necessary to sound the flood siren last Friday and tomorrow we will undertake our bi-annual testing,” said Mr Cowling.

Should an evacuation of the Invermay/Inveresk area be required, the siren will sound for 1 minute every 15 minutes to notify residents and businesses of the need to evacuate. The siren sounds similar to a traditional air raid siren.

The flood siren is located at the southern end of the Invermay area.   Tasmania Police are working closely with the SES to purchase a second siren which will be located at the northern end of Invermay.

"Previous tests of the siren indicate that certain weather conditions can at times make the siren difficult to hear for people located at the northern end of Invermay.  A second siren will ensure a much broader coverage of the area, assisting Police and SES in their preparedness and response efforts."

Tasmania Police has a comprehensive flood evacuation plan and works proactively with the Launceston City Council to ensure that preparedness and response plans are of a high standard.

"The flood threat to low lying areas last week was a solid test of the plan and agencies will be reviewing and learning from the incident,” said Commander Cowling.

For information on what to do before, during and after a flood, contact the Launceston City Council on (03) 6323 3000, or go to Council's website at http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2296