Clallam and Jefferson counties will test their all hazard alert broadcast (AHAB) sirens today as part of their tsunami-readiness programs.
The Winchester chimes are scheduled to sound at noon. The sirens in both counties will sound as part of the notification system to be heard by people outside in coastal communities along the North Olympic Peninsula coast.
Organizers encourage people to use the sound of the chimes followed by the voice message indicating it is only a test as a reminder to stop, look around and decide which of the nearest evacuation routes would serve in personal planning to get to higher ground.
In Clallam County, sirens are at Diamond Point, Dungeness, Morse Creek, Marine Drive in Port Angeles, Lower Elwha Klallam Community Center, Clallam Bay, La Push and Neah Bay.
In Jefferson County, sirens are at three sites in Port Townsend — the Port Townsend marina, Point Hudson and Fort Worden — and on the Hoh reservation on the West End.
The inside notification test of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration AHAB radio will take place at noon Wednesday throughout Clallam County.
During that time, the NOAA AHAB radios that many area residents have inside homes and businesses will be tested. This will be a voice-only test of the NOAA alert system. For more on earthquake and tsunami preparedness, visit www.jeffcoeoc.org/index.htm in Jefferson County and http://tinyurl.com/PDN-DisasterPrep in Clallam County.
Clallam County Emergency Management can be reached at 360-417- 2525, or 360-417- 2483.
PA man gets promotion in Navy rank
MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Elijah Leinaar, a Port Angeles native, was recently promoted to chief petty officer.
To be selected for this promotion, sailors must be a petty officer first class and successfully pass a job-based exam and selection review board, according to a news release.
According to Navy Personnel Command, only 8.5 percent of sailors currently serve at the chief petty officer rank.
During the ceremony, honorees invited friends and family members to pin on the two gold anchors that adorn the newly appointed chiefs’ uniforms, while the sailor’s sponsor places the combination cover on their head.
Leinaar, a 1997 Port Angeles High School and 2001 The Art Institute of Seattle graduate, currently serves at Navy Public Affairs Support Element Japan.
