Auckland tsunami siren testing aims to raise awareness

A tsunami alarm test this weekend is part of a plan to raise awareness of tsunami risks on the north and west coasts of Auckland.

Auckland Civil Defence are testing their tsunami sirens in areas such as Omaha, Piha and Bethells Beach at noon this Sunday as part of their bi-annual emergency drills.

The tests are conducted to ensure the sirens are still operating correctly, but also to raise awareness of the risk of tsunami to the areas, said the Auckland Council Head of Emergency Management Operations, Aaron Davis.

“The Auckland public are aware of what to do in the event of tsunami but it would be tricky when they need to evacuate during a high risk tsunami,” said Mr Davis.

“This is where the effectiveness of our communication can really assist in keeping the public safe.”

Auckland Civil Defence use the siren tests as an opportunity to educate the public about what to do in the event of a tsunami.

“We [Auckland Council] are going to do a lot of work so that people can quickly clarify between a high and low risk tsunami threat,” said Mr Davis.

Other alert methods such as the Civil Defence mobile app, SMS alert service, and social media alerts will also be tested at this time.

Part-owner of Black Sands Lodge in Piha, Julia Woodhouse, said that although she and most of the beach community are aware of the siren tests, many customers staying at the lodge will have no idea what is happening.

“We tell our guests about the sirens before they are tested, but they often still come panicking up to the lodge when the siren goes off,” said Mrs Woodhouse.

Mrs Woodhouse said she was aware of the potential of an emergency situation involving a tsunami, but believed any tsunami that might hit Piha would be small because of the west coast location.

However, she admitted that, “nature has its own way of doing things and it might surprise all of us one day”.

In a press release from Auckland Council, Councillor Sharon Stewart, Chair of Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee, said, “Tests like this are nothing to worry about, but they are important to carry out to raise awareness and check processes.

“I’d encourage residents to download the Auckland Civil Defence smartphone app to stay updated wherever they are.”