Dakota County, in cooperation with Goodhue County and City of Cannon Falls, finalized an emergency evacuation plan for the City of Cannon Falls.
Dakota County has owned the dam since 1969, and it has been safely operated for more than a century. Responsible ownership means Dakota County, Goodhue County, Cannon Falls Police and other partners maintain a well-rehearsed emergency plan in the unlikely event of a structural failure that could cause rapid flooding downstream.
That plan includes the following direction for people in the Cannon Falls area during a failure of the dam:
- Listen: Listen for the special siren indicating a failure at the dam
- Get out: Leave your home immediately with only people and pets
- Gather: Meet at your designated assembly location
There are just minutes to evacuate, so only take people and pets with you. Once at the collection point, move to allow others to safely arrive. Law enforcement and first responders will collect your information and provide instructions. See interactive map.
Zone evacuation plans
Evacuation Plan - Zones A & B
Evacuation Plan - Zones C, D
Evacuation Plan - Zone E
Evacuation Plan - Zone F, G, H & J
Evacuation Plan - Zone K
Evacuation Plan - Zone L
Flood warning system
Dakota and Goodhue counties and the City of Cannon Falls improved the siren warning system within the Cannon Falls. The sirens will warn residents within the city limits of a possible high water event, as required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Four sirens are strategically located downstream of the dam in Cannon Falls. Listen to the siren. Listen to the emergency message.