Local jurisdictions and tribes throughout Washington State will be participating in the annual Great Washington ShakeOut earthquake drill and outer coastal communities will also participate in the Tsunami Warning Communications Test on October 17, 2013 at 10:17 a.m. The All Hazard Alert Broadcast (AHAB) sirens in Clallam County will be used to conduct a test of the tsunami warning system.
A TEST MESSAGE and ACTUAL WARNING TONE will be sounded to help familiarize residents in at-risk coastal communities with the sound made by the sirens during an actual tsunami warning. This test will be different than the routine monthly testing that has been occurring on the first Monday of each month since it will broadcast an audible siren wail tone instead of a chime tone for three (3) minutes.
The customized test message that will be broadcast by the sirens is as follows:
“This is a TEST of the AHAB system. If you are in a low coastal area, test your evacuation route now. If this had been a real emergency you should: Follow evacuation routes, move to higher ground or inland now , do not delay, do not return until directed to do so and tune into your local radio stations for further instructions. This was only a test.”
There are two ways you will learn of an approaching tsunami: natural warnings and official warnings…such as the Tsunami Siren test on October 17 at 10:17 AM.
The test is focused on a tsunami coming from far away. If you hear that an official tsunami warning has been issued, move away from the beach and out of harbor areas and seek more information without using the phone. Tune into local radio or television stations for more information. Follow the directions of emergency personnel who may ask you to evacuate low lying coastal areas.
If a large earthquake occurs close to our coast, there will be no time for an official warning to be issued. You must rely on recognizing the natural warning signs of a tsunami. If you feel a large earthquake, see the ocean water move far out exposing the sea floor, or hear an unusually load roar from the coast, move to higher ground or inland as soon as it is safe to do so.
Use tsunami hazard zone signs and tsunami evacuation maps to recognize safe and potentially hazardous areas. If there are no maps or signs in your area, go at an area 50 feet above sea level or 2 miles inland, away from the coast. If you are outside of a tsunami evacuation zone, shelter in place. There is no need to evacuate.
When a major earthquake or tsunami does occur, listen to your radio to get further information. Don’t call friends and neighbors – you will tie up the telephones needed by response personnel. Only call 911 if there is a life-threatening emergency.
Respond to whichever type of warning – natural or official – you get first. Don’t wait for an official warning if you feel a large earthquake!
This is a good opportunity to find out more about preparing for earthquakes, tsunamis or any other disaster on the coast. Contact the American Red Cross 360-457-7933 for more information on how best to protect yourself and your family.
Contact:
Ken Dubuc, Chief
(360) 417-4653
Janessa Hurd, CMC
City Clerk
Phone: (360) 417-4634
Port Angeles City Hall, 321 East Fifth Street
Port Angeles, WA, 98362
Filed under: Puget Sound | Tagged: Puget Sound, tsunamai | Comments Off on EVENT: Earthquake and Tsunami Drill on October 17 at 10:17 AM
