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Northland’s network of more than 90 outdoor tsunami sirens will sound for up to two minutes at 10am on Sunday, September 27, as part of its six-monthly test marking the start of daylight saving this month.
No action is required.
The network is tested twice per year to ensure it remains ready to alert communities in the event of a tsunami.
Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group chair Colin (Toss) Kitchen said regular testing ensured the system was ready for an emergency and helped raise awareness of the region’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.
Kitchen said community feedback is one of the most important parts of the 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 said.
Kitchen also urged Northlanders to recognise natural tsunami warning signs, particularly in coastal areas where a locally generated tsunami could arrive before an 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 nrc.govt.nz/evacuationzones
