NORTH COAST, Calif. – Authorities are planning a tsunami warning system test for three North Coast counties later this month.
The test for Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties will take place between 11 a.m. and noon on Wednesday, March 23, according to Capt. Gregory Van Patten of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office.
Van Patten said the test will be conducted by the National Weather Service, the California Office of Emergency Services, the Offices of Emergency Services for Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino Counties and tribal governments.
He said the test of the tsunami warning system is to ensure it works properly during a real tsunami emergency.
People in the three counties watching television between 11 a.m. and noon March 23 can expect to see a crawler at the bottom of the screen indicating that a tsunami warning has been issued and hear a voice indicating that it is only a test. Van Patten said those who don’t hear the TV audio are reminded this is only a test.
Not all cable and satellite TV Stations may be able to participate, Van Patten said.
Anyone listening to the radio will hear alerting tones followed by a voice announcing that the test is occurring, he said.
For those with a NOAA weather radio with the “Public Alert” feature, the radio will automatically turn on and they will hear the same message as broadcast on radios, according to Van Patten.
In some areas, people may also hear the sounding of a tsunami siren, an airplane testing its public address system or receive other communication tests in some local jurisdictions.
The Wireless Emergency Alert system that comes across smart phones will not be activated for this test, Van Patten said.
Community members are reminded that when they hear the warning test on March 23, they do not need to take any action.
Additionally, they are asked not to call 911 or local authorities, and not to evacuate their home or business.
Find out more about preparing for earthquakes, tsunamis or any other disasters on the North Coast at http://humboldt.edu/shakyground or contact the American Red Cross for Humboldt, Del Norte, Lake and Mendocino counties at 707-443-4521.
America’s PrepareAthon! Web site at http://www.community.fema.gov/ also offers preparedness information for any natural hazard.
For more information about the tsunami warning test, contact the National Weather Service at 707-443-6484.
REGIONAL: Tsunami warning communications test planned March 23
- Lake County News reports
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