Napier Civil Defence Siren Test this Sunday

At midday on Sunday, September 26, 2010 Napier’s Civil Defence sirens will be activated. Don’t panic though – it’s just a test.
Napier City Council Civil Defence is teaming up once again with the New Zealand Fire Service to test the city’s 16 sirens on daylight saving weekend – the same time when people are urged to check their smoke alarm batteries and emergency survival kits, change their stored water and of course change their clocks.
The sirens will sound (turn on and off) for approximately five minutes. Upon hearing the siren, turn your radios on and listen to a Hawke’s Bay Radio Station (i.e. Classic Hits 89.5FM, 92.7 More FM, Newstalk ZB 1278AM or Radio Live 1368AM). Listen for the Civil Defence broadcast message which will be read by the radio announcer.
Napier Civil Defence Manager, Angela Reade, warns that there are no assurances that everyone will hear the sirens, as any number of factors may reduce the effectiveness of the siren noise.
“Other loud noises, wind, distance from the siren location, elevation and topography may affect the siren noise output,” Angela says. “It is possible that some residents in Esk Valley, Poraiti, Taradale and Meeanee may not hear the sirens.
When the siren system is tested Civil Defence wants to avoid residents becoming alarmed or frightened and they seek the public’s assistance to inform neighbours about the siren test and what is going to happen.
“Of most concern are residents who may be located within one 250 metres from the siren location. The noise generated by the siren will be loud and people with sensitive hearing should avoid being directly exposed to the siren for too long,” Angela says.
NZ Fire Service Area Commander, Ken Cooper, says that ensuring smoke alarms have working batteries by testing the alarms at day light saving is vital.
“Smoke alarms have saved thousands of lives in New Zealand,” Ken says. “If there is a fire in your home, smoke alarms could be the difference between life and death for your family.
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway. Test your smoke alarm regularly. Day light saving is an excellent time to test and replace batteries.”
This daylight saving people are urged to add one more thing to their “Get Ready” list and that is to sign up for Napier Civil Defence text alerts. The texting service is an additional way of alerting the public that there is a Civil Defence emergency and the Emergency Operations Centre has been activated. Those signed up will receive a text explaining the type of emergency and what action should be taken. The texting service will be tested at each daylight saving changeover. To sign up go to www.napier.govt.nz type in cdtxtalerts, and follow the simple steps.

Following the siren test residents will be asked to complete a survey on the effectiveness of the test. This can be done via the Napier City Council website www.napier.govt.nz or by filling out the survey in the Napier Mail on 22 or 29 September 2010. You will then be entered into a prize draw to win some great prizes, including an emergency survival kit, a digital camera or the opportunity to press the ‘big red button’ next day light saving change and sound the sirens around the city!
Whatever you do, now is the time to prepare for emergencies. Are you ready?