Monthly Statewide Emergency Siren Test RESCHEDULED for March 3

Civil Defense Siren, Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Warning Siren Test for March 1, 2017 Rescheduled

The state’s monthly test of the statewide outdoor warning siren system, set for 11:45 am Wednesday, March 1, 2017 has been postponed.

The state and counties jointly agree it would be best to reschedule the testing so as to avoid public confusion.

Current severe weather conditions may cause area residents to mistake the testing of the siren for an actual emergency alert. The March 1, 2017 test is rescheduled for Friday, March 3, 2017 at 11:45 a.m.

The siren test is a steady one minute tone on all sirens. The warning sirens are used to alert the public to any emergency that may pose a threat to life or property. The sound of the sirens is a cue for residents to turn on a radio or television for information and instruction for an impending emergency. Besides natural hazards, the Emergency Alert System could be used for terrorist incidents or acts of war.

Currently areas around the state are experiencing a Flash FloodWatch or a Flash Flood Warning. There is a clear distinction:

Flash Flood Watch means a flash flood is possible in the area, because conditions are more favorable than usual for its occurrence. A watch is a recommendation for planning, preparation, and increased awareness.

Flash Flood Warning means a flash flood is imminent or occurring; take immediate action to protect life and property.

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The state’s monthly test of the statewide outdoor warning siren system, coordinated with the test of the live audio broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System, is scheduled for Wednesday March 1, 2017, at 11:45 a.m.

The siren test is a steady one minute tone on all sirens. The warning sirens are used to alert the public to any emergency that may pose a threat to life or property. The sound of the sirens is a cue for residents to turn on a radio or television for information and instruction for an impending emergency. Besides natural hazards, the Emergency Alert System could be used for terrorist incidents or acts of war.

State officials advise the public to contact their county civil defense/emergency management agency to report siren operation issues at the following numbers:

Hawaiʻi (808) 935-0031
Maui (808) 270-7285
City and County of Honolulu (808) 723-8960 Kauai (808) 241-1800

Oʻahu 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) siren warning group that will be activated in the event of a HAZMAT incident. Contact the City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management at (808) 723-8960 for more information on the HAZMAT Incident outdoor siren warning test.

Tests of the outdoor warning sirens and the Emergency Alert System are conducted simultaneously, normally on the first working day of the month, in cooperation with Hawaii’s broadcast industry. Emergency management and disaster preparedness information is located in the front section of telephone directories in all counties.