Local agencies to test emergency plans during exercise

Emergency response agencies in Owyee County will team up with the U.S. Bureau of Homeland Security and Idaho Power to test an emergency response plan Nov. 18.

Scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. that day, the exercise scenario involves a simulated breach at the C.J. Strike Dam south of Mountain Home.

During the exercise, emergency responders will disseminate a test message to the public through the Owyhee County's reverse 911 system, Alert Sense. Officials will not send messages out through radio and television outlets.

Prior to the exercise, Owyhee County sheriff's department officials are encouraging local residents to sign up for its Alert System program. People can sign up online at http://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/?regionid=1047.

Those without an e-mail address are asked to contact Christine Ballard at the sheriff's department at 208-495-1154, extension 101. She will help people register for the emergency notification system.

"They do not have to live in the county to receive information," Ballard said.