Source: Northland Regional Council
Northland’s six-monthly outdoor tsunami siren test will take place at 10 am on Sunday, 5 April, marking the end of daylight saving.
The network of more than 90 outdoor sirens in coastal communities across Northland is tested twice a year to ensure it remains ready to alert communities in the event of a tsunami.
While it’s hoped such an emergency never occurs, regular testing helps ensure the system can respond effectively if needed and raises awareness of Northland’s tsunami risk.
During the test, sirens will sound for up to two minutes, emitting the familiar siren tone followed by a voice message:
“Test only, test only. This is a test of the Northland tsunami siren network; no action is required.”
While the indoor siren network will not be activated during this test, residents with indoor sirens are encouraged to manually check their devices by pressing the test button, similar to testing a smoke alarm.
Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Chair Colin (Toss) Kitchen says community feedback remains a vital part of the testing process.
“Community feedback is one of the most important parts of these tests. It helps us confirm the sirens are working properly, that people can actually hear them, and that everyone becomes more familiar with what they sound like and what to do when they activate.”
Residents can provide feedback on the day via forms available on the Northland Regional Council website and the Civil Defence Northland Facebook page.
“Could you hear it? Was the message clear? Let us know.”
Kitchen also reminds Northlanders of the importance of recognising natural tsunami warning signs, especially in coastal areas where local-source tsunamis may arrive before any official alert.
“If you feel a strong earthquake that’s hard to stand in, one that lasts longer than a minute, or notice unusual sea behaviour, such as a sudden rise or fall or strange noises, don’t wait for an official warning, move inland or to higher ground immediately.”
To check if you live, work, or play in a tsunami evacuation zone, and to plan your safest route, visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/evacuationzones
Northland’s outdoor tsunami sirens are funded and owned by the region’s four councils (Far North District, Whangarei District, Kaipara District, and Northland Regional Council).
To hear what the sirens sound like, visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/tsunamisirens
