Chill, It's Just a Drill

On September 21, 2011 shortly after 10:15 a.m. the All Hazard Alert Broadcast (AHAB) sirens will be tested sounding both the standard test message and the actual warning tone.  The AHAB sirens in all coastal Washington Counties are being activated to conduct a true “end-to-end” test of the entire tsunami warning system.

This test will help familiarize residents with the sound made by the AHAB sirens during an actual tsunami warning.  It will differ from the routine monthly testing that occurs on the first Monday of each month since it will broadcast an audible siren wail tone for the full 3 minute warning instead of a chime tone; however, the voice message will be exactly the same as the routine test message.

NOAA weather radios set to receive the required monthly test will also activate during this test. 

This event is a key element in the Weather Radio Awareness Month campaign in Washington State as well as National Preparedness Month and earthquake and tsunami education efforts.

A post-test survey is also available for residents at www.weather.gov/test.