Sirens will sound for three minutes during an annual drill on the North Olympic Peninsula to test the tsunami warning system on Wednesday.
The full siren — as opposed to test tones — will sound beginning at 10:15 a.m. in the test held once a year.
The timing of the statewide drill, called “Chill, It’s Just a Drill,”coincides with the drop-cover-hold earthquake drill done by schools and some businesses and agencies, said Bob Hamlin, director of the Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management.
During the drill, schools, businesses and agencies will work with the state Emergency Management Division to promote disaster planning and preparedness, said Jamye Wisecup, Clallam County Emergency Management program coordinator.
When the sirens go off, the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration, or NOAA, equipment for the All Hazard Alert Broadcast — or AHAB — Communications system will be tested.
The warning tone will sound at Neah Bay, LaPush, Clallam Bay, Lower Elwha River Road, Port Angeles Marine Drive, Dungeness Way, Diamond Point, Port Townsend marina, Point Hudson and Fort Worden State Park.
A voice message will follow, saying that the sound is only a test.
“If this had been a real emergency, you should tune in your radio to your local radio station or listen to this system for further instructions,” the message will say, concluding again, “This was only a test.”
“Use the three minutes of the test to stop and think about the steps you and your family would do to evacuate and stay safe in the case that this would have been a real All Hazard Alert Broadcast announcing a tsunami,” Wisecup said.
“Take this opportunity to create your readiness checklist,” she said.
“What is your family’s plan and what do you need to have in your preparedness grab and go kit if this had been a real warning?” she asked.
She urged those who hear the test to call in saying if they heard the chimes and the voice announcement, and if they saw the blue light flashing at the top of the AHAB siren.
Information can be left Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with Clallam County Emergency Management at 360-417-2525.
Preparedness information for individuals, businesses and homes is available through county emergency management office at www.clallam.net/emergencymanagement, www.jeffcoeoc.org or the state Emergency Management website at www.emd.wa.gov/hazards/prog_ahab.shtml.
