Sunriver

1. Wildfire evacuation: Bend officials outline what you need to know

On Wednesday at noon, Sunriver will test its emergency siren system. The sirens have been in place for more than 10 years and are tested as part of the community’s annual preparedness-information plan to remind residents of their own evacuation plans.

“First of all, for people on the coast, it’s not a tsunami,” said Mike Womer, chief of the Sunriver Police Department. “These sirens are meant to get your attention and seek out information available.”

In this case, the high-low toned sirens are supposed to warn of wildfires. The siren towers, owned by the Sunriver Owners Association, are placed throughout the 3,300-acre community.

While this is just a test, wildfires can strike at any moment, and Womer echoes the message that residents and visitors should try to be prepared at all times.

“A lot of times people are separated,” Womer said. “So you should have a plan on where you are going to meet up to evacuate.”

While evacuating is not necessary during the test, Womer said practice makes perfect and to at least review evacuation plans and get set up for the emergency alert systems through ORAlert.gov.

To find out information in the event of an actual emergency, or to hear how the sirens will sound, go to sunriveremergency.com.