Tasmania’s State Emergency Service (SES) will test the Launceston flood siren on Sunday the 12th of October at 11:00 am in the Invermay area.

During the test the siren will be activated at three separate locations across Invermay for one minute:

• Lindsay Street
• Corner of Goderich and Forster Streets
• Corner of Landale and Holbrook Streets.

“We test the flood siren twice a year. It is important that residents recognise the siren sounds, so that we are all prepared in the event of a real emergency situation,” said SES Acting Regional Manager Jim Bolzonello.

The siren sounds similar to a traditional air raid siren. If an evacuation is required the siren will be activated for a one minute period every fifteen minutes.

In the event of a major flood, approximately 3000 residents and up to 270 businesses would require evacuation from the Invermay and Inveresk areas.

“The low-lying suburbs of Invermay and Inveresk are particularly flood prone, he said.”

The flood evacuation plan for the Invermay and Inveresk areas was prepared jointly by SES, Tasmania Police and Launceston City Council.

“We are confident that we are well prepared for an evacuation if and when it is required.”

The siren can be mobilised to any area to warn residents.

“The siren is just one tool in a series of communications that will be used if evacuation of the area is required,” Mr Bolzonello said.

Residents will also have been notified via information leaflets, doorknocks conducted by Police and SES personnel, via mainstream and social media and through the Emergency Alert automated telephone messaging system.

For information on what to do before, during and after a flood, contact the Launceston City Council on 6323 3000, or go to the council’s website at www.launceston.tas.gov.au or the SES website at www.ses.tas.gov.au