The sounds of tsunami sirens will scream on two local beaches on Sunday.

The bi-annual testing of the tsunami sirens will happen on several beaches across Auckland, including the local Waiwera and Ōrewa beaches.

After a successful annual mobile alert testing last Sunday, the National Emergency Management Agency has decided to also test the tsunami sirens. 

But, this siren sounds different to the one that screamed on our mobile phones on Sunday night. 

It is important to test the sirens to make sure they’re working, and that Aucklanders know what they sound like. 

There’s no cause for alarm during the testing, and no action is required by the public.

The siren test will happen at 12pm on Sunday, 4th June.

The siren will be a combination of alert sounds and voice instructions advising what actions residents should take in a real emergency. 

The siren patterns and the way they will sound in an emergency are:

“Attention, please. This is a test of the Auckland Emergency Management tsunami siren network. The next sound you hear will be the standard emergency warning signal.”

Siren tone (5x “whoops”).

“In the event of a siren activation, follow the instructions that accompany this signal. Thank you.”

<Siren ends>

Besides Orewa and Waiwera, there are tsunami sirens located at Point Wells, Whangateau, Hobsonville, Herald Island and Omaha. 

In Waitākere, sirens are located at Bethells Beach/ Te Henga, Piha North, Piha South, Karekare, Whatipu, Little Huia, Te Atatū South and Te Atatū Peninsula North.

Paul Amaral, general manager for Auckland Emergency Management says in the event of an actual tsunami emergency, an Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) will be broadcast to all capable mobile phones. 

“As well as sending an EMA, we will also get the message out through broadcast on radio, television, news media and social media platforms.

“We encourage people to share official messages with others to make sure the message gets out if needed.

“However, if you are at the coast and feel an earthquake which is long or strong, or see other natural warning signs, evacuate immediately to higher ground without waiting for an official alert.”

“It is a good time for families and friends to have conversations about planning for an emergency. You should also find out whether you live in a tsunami evacuation zone and what you need to do to be safe.”

Paul said if you hear the siren in a real emergency, but are unable to understand what is being said, you should always check your mobile phone for an EMA, check online information and news sources, or listen to the radio to seek more information.

“We will always use a range of alerts to get the message out during a tsunami warning or threat. 

The sirens will help warn people in the evacuation zone who are outside very close to a siren, while the radio, TV, online sources and EMA systems will help reach people who may be inside or distracted,” he says.

Remember, if you are at the coast and feel an earthquake that is LONG or STRONG, GET GONE and move inland or to higher ground.