Monthly Siren and EAS Test, September 1

By Wendy Osher

Emergency Operating Center on Maui. File photo. Courtesy County of Maui.

The monthly test of the Civil Defense sirens and Emergency Alert System (EAS) takes place on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 11:45 a.m.

The statewide test traditionally takes place on the first working day of the month, in cooperation with Hawaii’s broadcast industry.

The public can expect to hear a steady one-minute tone on sirens.

During an actual emergency, the sirens are used to alert the public of situations that may pose a threat to life and property.  Besides natural and technological hazards, the EAS could be used for terrorist incidents or acts of war.

When the siren signal is sounded, the public is advised to tune to any local radio or television stations 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.

Oahu residents in areas surrounding Campbell Industrial Park, Honokai Hale, Makakilo, Kapolei Regional Park, Kapolei Golf Course, and the Coast Guard Station at Kalaeloa may also hear a “whooping” tone following the Siren Test. This “whooping” tone is a test of the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Incident outdoor siren warning group that will be activated in the event of a HAZMAT incident.

Civil defense disaster preparedness information is located in the front section of telephone directories in all counties.