Hydro Station Siren Tests

Emergency Siren Test and Evacuation Information

Duke Energy is committed to being a safe and reliable neighbor. In our operations at our hydroelectric stations, our first commitment is to safety. Although it is very unlikely that we would have a failure of a dam, it is part of our philosophy to be prepared. Because those living immediately downstream of the Bridgewater, Rhodhiss and Mountain Island hydro stations are in areas that county emergency management could not alert immediately, warning sirens have been placed as the initial notification for evacuation. Please keep this siren test information readily available so that you will know what actions to take should the sirens sound on non-test days.

To ensure the sirens work properly, they will be tested at noon on the second Wednesday in January, April, July and October. The sirens will sound approximately three minutes and no public action is necessary. Siren test dates for 2012 are:

  • January 11
  • April 11
  • July 11
  • October 10

Evacuation Guidelines

Please note:
In an actual emergency, sirens would sound continuously and area residents are advised to evacuate immediately following the guidelines below:

Bridgewater Hydro Station - on Lake James

Residents immediately below Bridgewater Hydro Station should immediately evacuate to the following locations:

If you live in: Relocate to:
Burke County below the Linville Dam on the north side of the Catawba River Oak Hill Elementary/Jr. High School using NC 126 via Conley Bumgarner Road
Burke County below the Paddy Creek Dam on the south side of the Catawba River Glen Alpine Elementary /Jr. High School using US 70
McDowell County below Catawba Dam on the south side of the Catawba River Nebo Elementary School using US 70

You should remain at the evacuation location for your own safety until released by County Emergency Management personnel.

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Rhodhiss Hydro Station - on Lake Rhodhiss

Residents immediately below Rhodhiss Hydro Station should immediately evacuate to the following locations:

If you live in: Move to:
Burke County between the Rhodhiss Dam and Drowning Creek on the south side of the Catawba River East Jr. High School or Hildebran Elementary using County Road 1653
Caldwell County below the Rhodhiss Dam on the north side of the Catawba River Granite Falls Middle School using NC 321-A
McDowell County below Catawba Dam on the south side of the Catawba River Granite Falls Middle School using NC 321-A

You should remain at the evacuation location for your own safety until released by County Emergency Management personnel.

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Mountain Island Hydro Station - on Mountain Island Lake

Residents immediately downstream of Mountain Island Hydro Station should immediately evacuate to the following locations:

If you live in: Relocate to:
Mecklenburg County below the Mountain Island Dam along Harwood Ln., Lake Dr., Beagle Club Rd., Riverside Dr., Hart Rd., Riverhaven Dr. Charlotte Fire Department Station 33 Command Post - to be accounted for and further relocation to shelters

You should remain at the evacuation location for your own safety until released by Mecklenburg County Emergency Management personnel.