Siren test timely after recent devastation

The devastation in Canterbury and Japan is a morbid reminder to be as prepared as possible for a natural disaster – after all, it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.

It is timely then, that Napier Civil Defence has once again teamed up with the New Zealand Fire Service to test the city’s 16 sirens on Sunday, April 3, (daylight saving weekend) – the same time people are urged to check their smoke alarm batteries and emergency survival kits, change their stored water and of course change their clocks.

The sirens will sound (turn on and off) at 12-noon for approximately five minutes. Upon hearing the siren, turn your radios on and listen to a Hawke’s Bay Radio Station (i.e. Classic Hits 89.5FM, 92.7 More FM, Newstalk ZB 1278AM, National 101.5FM or Radio Live 1368AM). Listen for the Civil Defence broadcast message which will be read by the radio announcer. This is what you should do if ever you hear the sirens.

“Earthquakes and tsunamis are at the forefront of everybody’s minds at the moment so the siren testing comes at a good time,” Napier Civil Defence Manager, Angela Reade says. “It cannot be reiterated enough to people that they need to ‘Get Ready and Get Thru’.”

Angela warns that there are no assurances that everyone will hear the sirens, as any number of factors may reduce the effectiveness of the siren noise.

“Other loud noises, wind, distance from the siren location, elevation and topography may affect the siren noise output. It is possible that some residents in Esk Valley, Poraiti, Taradale and Meeanee may not hear the sirens.”

When the siren system is tested Civil Defence wants to avoid residents and visitors to the city becoming alarmed or frightened. They seek the public’s assistance to inform neighbours about the siren test and what is going to happen.

“Of most concern are residents who may be located within 250 metres from the siren location. The noise generated by the siren will be loud and people with sensitive hearing should avoid being directly exposed to the siren for too long,” Angela says.

NZ Fire Service Area Commander, Ken Cooper, says that ensuring smoke alarms have working batteries by testing the alarms at daylight saving is vital.

“Smoke alarms have saved thousands of lives in New Zealand,” Ken says. “If there is a fire in your home, smoke alarms could be the difference between life and death for your family.

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway. Test your smoke alarm regularly. Day light saving is an excellent time to test and replace batteries.”

People are also urged to add one more thing to their “Get Ready” list and that is to sign up for Napier Civil Defence text alerts if they haven’t done so already. The texting service was introduced last year and is an additional way of alerting the public that there is a Civil Defence emergency. Those signed up will receive a text explaining the type of emergency and what action should be taken. The texting service will be tested at each daylight saving changeover. To sign up go to www.napier.govt.nz type in cdtxtalerts, and follow the simple steps.

Following the siren test residents will be asked to complete a survey on the effectiveness of the test. This can be done via the Napier City Council website www.napier.govt.nz or by filling out the survey in the Napier Mail on 30 March or 6 April. You will then be entered into a prize draw to win some great prizes.
Whatever you do, now is the time to prepare for a natural disaster. Are you ready?

ENDS

FAQs

What is the warning signal?
An on-going rising and falling of audible sirens for a minimum of 5 minutes (10 seconds on and 20 seconds off).
What does the warning signal mean?
That an emergency is imminent or has occurred and that important information is about to be broadcast on local radio stations.
What does the warning signal sound like?
The Volunteer Fire Siren ... continuing to turn on and off for a longer duration.
What if there is a power cut?
The sirens will not operate - if you are concerned turn on your battery powered radio and listen to a local radio station.
What should we do when we hear the siren?
Listen to a Local Radio Station i.e. Classic Hits 89.5FM, 92.7 More FM, Newstalk ZB 1278AM or Radio Live 1368AM for Instructions.
Why do we need a Civil Defence Warning Signal?
An emergency may occur suddenly anywhere in Napier i.e. a chemical incident that cannot be seen or heard or a tsunami threat which builds into an emergency or disaster. In either case residents may be totally unaware of the event and may be placed at risk as a result. A warning signal could save lives and provide extra time for residents to protect or leave their property.
Additionally there is a national requirement to maintain an effective civil defence warning system and regularly test it.
In which circumstances would the siren be used?
During a publicised test of the siren operating equipment, or,
If the Napier community was threatened by;
· Tsunami (seismic sea wave)

· A severe storm

· Flooding

· Toxic fumes

· A significant fire

· Volcanic ash fall

· Or other significant event

The siren will not be used in the event of earthquake. In the event of a significant earthquake residents should turn on their transistor radio, tune it to the strongest local (Napier or Hastings) radio station and listen for and follow official instructions which will be broadcast.