VENTURA COUNTY ROUNDUP : Ventura : Sirens to Sound in Flood-Warning Tests
Testing of a flood-warning system in west Ventura continues today as part of the project to strengthen Casitas Dam against earthquakes.
Residents along Casitas Dam, Vista Road, Foster Park and North Ventura Avenue will hear a series of sirens beginning at 11 a.m. and concluding about 1:15 p.m. Each siren will last between 10 and 15 seconds and will be preceded by a voice message in English and Spanish announcing, “This is a test,” said Jay Bayman, program administrator with the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services.
The tests began Tuesday morning, with all sirens working properly, and will conclude Thursday, Bayman said.
Alarms have been installed to provide early warning in case a powerful earthquake causes the dam to collapse while construction crews are attempting to strengthen it. Although authorities say such an event is unlikely, the sirens would sound, followed by instructions to evacuate to higher ground if disaster struck.
Alarms have been installed at the following locations: Casitas Dam; California 33 and Stanley Road; Ventura Fire Station at North Ventura Avenue and Ramona Street; west Main Street near Ortega Adobe; and Santa Clara Avenue near the Ventura County museum.
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