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HI-EMA NEWS RELEASE: Siren and emergency alert system test

Posted on Sep 30, 2016 in Latest Department News

HONOLULU — The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency 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 Monday, October 3, 2016, at 11:45 a.m.

The siren test is a steady one minute 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 hazards, the Emergency Alert System could be used for terrorist incidents or acts of war.

Contact your county civil defense/emergency management agency to report siren operations issues:

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

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) 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.

When the siren signal is sounded in your area, tune to any local radio or television station for emergency information and instructions broadcast by emergency management 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 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 broadcasting industry. Emergency management and disaster preparedness information is located in the front section of telephone directories in all counties.

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Media Contacts:
Mary Zanakis
Public Information Officer
808.620.5422
[email protected]

Galen Yoshimoto
Public Relations Officer
808.620.5408
[email protected]