The Cocopah Indian Tribe

03/27/2026

***ANNOUNCEMENT***
For Release: From the Bureau of Reclamation

Contact: Vernon Cunningham, (702) 293-8521, vcunningham@usbr.gov
Chris Wallis, (928) 343-8215, cwallis@usbr.gov

Yuma Area Office to conduct chemical release alarm, mass notification testing

Yuma, Ariz. – On April 7, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation's Yuma Area Office, located at 7301 Calle Agua Salada, will conduct an operational test of its chemical release alarm and mass notification systems. The test is being conducted to verify that the systems are fully operational to support evacuation and safety procedures in the event of an emergency.

The test involves sounding the alarm multiple times to ensure the mass notification system is operating effectively.

Between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., PDT, YAO’s chemical release alarm and mass notification sirens will be activated for up to 20 minutes to determine if the systems are operating correctly.

Designed to alert both on-site employees and nearby residents about an accidental chemical release emergency at the YAO, the alarms and siren can be heard several miles away from the facility. No action or response is necessary from nearby residents, businesses, or the local farming community during the emergency test procedure.

The YAO regularly conducts these tests to verify the systems are working correctly in the event of an actual emergency.

For further information about this upcoming emergency chemical release alarm and mass notification tests, please contact Resource Management Office Chief Chris Wallis at (928) 343-8215 or via email at cwallis@usbr.gov.
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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter .

Bureau of Reclamation - Managing water and power in the West

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