Aucklanders are advised not to be alarmed when the region’s tsunami sirens have their twice yearly test at noon on Sunday 30 September.

Coinciding with the start of daylight savings, the test sequence will be three sets of tones, each signalling a specific action that people would be advised to take in an emergency.

They will sound for one minute each and there will be 15 seconds between each set. In an emergency, tones will sound for longer.

“It’s important to regularly test the sirens to make sure they are working and so that Aucklanders know what they sound like,” says Sarah Sinclair, Acting Director Auckland Emergency Management.

“There is no cause for alarm when the sirens are tested and the public aren’t required to do anything.”

The sirens are one of several public warning systems that Auckland Emergency Management has in place for the Auckland region.

“People can also subscribe to SMS text messaging or email alerts, the Red Cross Hazard smartphone app or engage with us via Twitter and Facebook.”

In addition to testing the tsunami sirens Auckland Emergency Management will also be testing the Red Cross Hazards app, as well as sending messages to those signed up to emergency alerts.

The tsunami sirens are located in Rodney at Point Wells, Whangateau, Omaha, and Waiwera. In Waitākere sirens are located at Bethells Beach Te Henga, Piha North, Piha South, Karekare, Whatipu, Little Huia, Huia, Te Atatu South, Harbour View Road, Te Atatu Peninsula North, Westpark Marina and Herald Island.

“It is important to be prepared for emergencies like a tsunami by finding out if you live in a tsunami evacuation zone and what you need to do to be safe.

"Having a chat with your loved ones about what you might do if there is a natural disaster like a tsunami while you are at work, home or out and about is a really simple way you can be prepared.”

To sign up for emergency alerts, access tsunami evacuation zone maps, and make an emergency plan visit www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz
and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
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