Tsunami Sirens to be Tested in Great Washington ShakeOut

South Bend, Washington – The Pacific County All Hazard Alert Broadcast (AHAB) outdoor sirens will be tested as part of the Great Washington ShakeOut, on Thursday, October 18, 2012, at 10:18 a.m. with the actual tsunami siren tone (a three minute wail), followed by a verbal message. The AHAB sirens in Pacific County and the other outer Washington coastal counties are being activated to conduct a true “end-to-end” test of the entire tsunami warning system.

Pacific County residents are encouraged to participate in the Great Washington ShakeOut by registering at www.shakeout.org/washington/ and by conducting a personal drill such as Drop, Cover, and Hold or an evacuation walk.

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. The voice message will differ slightly from the monthly test, and will include the following: “This is a test of the AHAB system. If you are in a low coastal area test your evacuation route now. If this had been a real emergency, you should follow evacuation routes. Move to higher ground or inland now. Do not delay. Do not return until directed to do so. Tune Into your local radio stations for further instructions. This was only a test.”

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