Emergency Alert System monthly test, August 2 2010

The Civil Defense monthly test of the statewide outdoor siren warning system, coordinated with the test of the live audio broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System, is scheduled for today, Monday, August 2, 2010, at 11:45 a.m.   

The Siren Test is a steady 45-second tone on all sirens.  The steady tone is used to alert the public to any emergency that may pose a threat to life and property.  Besides natural and technological hazards, the Emergency Alert System could be used for terrorist incidents or acts of war.

When the siren signal is sounded in your area, 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.

Tests of civil defense sirens and the Emergency Alert System are conducted simultaneously, normally on the first working day of the month, in cooperation with Hawaii’s broadcasting industry.  Civil defense disaster preparedness information is located in the front section of the white pages of telephone directories in all counties.