Civil Defense Siren Test to Sound at 11:45 a.m.

Maui siren. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Civil Defense monthly test of the statewide outdoor siren warning system is scheduled for today (Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014) at 11:45 a.m.

The Emergency Alert System siren test is a steady one minute tone on all sirens, intended to alert the public to any emergency that may pose a threat to life and property.

Aside from natural hazards, the Emergency Alert System could also be used for terrorist incidents or acts of war.

Tests of the sirens are conducted simultaneously, normally on the first working day of the month in cooperation with the Hawaiʻi broadcasting industry.

When the siren signal is sounded during an emergency, the public is asked to tune to any local radio or television station for emergency information and instructions broadcast by civil defense agencies.

Participating stations will carry a detailed explanation of what the sirens mean, as well as other related information, during the monthly test.

To report operational issues with sirens in your area, the phone number to call on Maui is (808) 270-7285.