Bay of Plenty Emergency Management will be testing its tsunami alert systems — including sirens — at 12 noon on Saturday, 5 November. If you hear tsunami sirens sound during this time, no action is required, as it is only a test.
The following media release from Bay of Plenty Regional Council provides further information.
The UN General Assembly has called on the world to mark World Tsunami Awareness Day this Saturday, 5 November. As well as a chance for us to learn more about tsunami risk and make sure we are prepared for a variety of natural and man-made hazards, Civil Defence are using this awareness day as an opportunity to test their alert systems.
Bay of Plenty Emergency Management Director Clinton Naude says New Zealand’s entire coastline is at risk of a tsunami, and it’s a risk we all need to take seriously.
“Warning messages and signals about a possible tsunami can come from several sources: natural, official or unofficial. For a local source tsunami which could arrive in minutes, there won’t be time for an official warning, so it’s vital that people can recognise the natural warning signs and act quickly.”
“I really encourage people to use this Saturday as an opportunity to read up about the hazards Bay of Plenty is exposed to, make a plan, and put it into practice as a family. Find out where the nearest evacuation routes and meeting points are and identify the closest area of higher ground,” he says.
Bay of Plenty Emergency Management test their alert systems twice a year. The test this Saturday at 12 noon will include:
- Text alerts
- Email updates
- Social media updates on Facebook and Twitter
- Fixed sirens will also be tested in the Eastern Bay of Plenty
To register for alerts, or for more information on how to get prepared, visit Bay of Plenty Civil Defence or text the two letters for the area you live (TA for Tauranga, WB for Western Bay of Plenty, KA for Kawerau, WH for Whakatāne, RO for Rotorua and OP for Ōpōtiki) to 2028.
www.happens.nz has tips for families to be prepared, including advice on how to evacuate, assemble getaway bags, and make plans.