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Civil Defence Siren Test unites with NZ ShakeOut

Friday 21 September 2012, 2:39PM

By Napier City Council

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NAPIER

The Napier Civil Defence siren test on 26 September will be a little different from the last.

Instead of just listening for the emergency sirens, which will be activated at 9.26am, everyone is encouraged to “Drop, Cover and Hold” and take part in the country’s largest earthquake drill, ‘New Zealand ShakeOut’.

Usually activated every day light saving change, the Napier Civil Defence Siren Test will instead be held in conjunction with New Zealand ShakeOut, providing a fitting reminder for everyone, from schools and businesses to individuals, to practice their earthquake drill.

Napier Civil Defence Manager, Angela Reade, says that with so many ShakeOut participants practicing their own emergency plans and procedures, the drill provided the perfect opportunity to test the Civil Defence sirens’ systems and procedures also.

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,” Angela says. “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.

“In a real emergency event and when it is safe to do so, people should turn on their radios and listen to 101.5FM National, 92.7 More FM, 89.5FM Classic Hits, 1368AM Radio Live or 1278AM Newstalk ZB and listen for a Civil Defence announcement advising what action to take.”

People are also urged to replenish their emergency survival kits, change their stored water and check their smoke alarm batteries.

Bruno Saathof, Hawke’s Bay Acting Assistant Area Manager for the New Zealand Fire Service, says that ensuring smoke alarms have working batteries is vital.

“Smoke alarms have saved thousands of lives in New Zealand,” Bruno 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 and test them regularly.”

There is one more thing to add to your “Get Ready” list and that is to sign up for Napier Civil Defence text alerts if you haven’t done so already. The texting service 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 on 26 September also. To sign up text follow napier_cd to 8987.

Following the siren test residents are 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 at your local library or in the Napier Mail newspaper.  You will then be entered into a prize draw to win some great prizes.

Whatever you do now is the time to prepare for any disaster. Are you ready?

For more information see www.napier.govt.nz or www.fire.org.nz alternatively you can phone Napier Civil Defence on 835 7579.