Tomorrow is National Dam Safety Awareness Day, commemorating the failure of Pennsylvania’s South Fork Dam in 1889 that resulted in the deaths of 22-hundred people.
The Tennessee Valley Authority is encouraging people to be aware of possible hazards of living near dams. TVA’s Jennifer Dodd says purchasing flood insurance and having an emergency action plan in case of dam failure can help save money and save lives.
The publicly owned power company also warns of dangers in the areas surrounding dams, locks, and powerhouses, such as strong surface and underwater currents, swirling water, and sudden water surges.
TVA says its dams are checked regularly for safety and are maintained to perform well during floods and earthquakes.
