Sirens tested as daylight savings begins

Residents living along Christchurch’s coastline will hear the tsunami warning sirens for up to three minutes, from 11am on Sunday 28 September.

The warning takes the form of a tone followed by the message: This is a test of the tsunami warning sirens. Do not be alarmed, this is only a test.

Tests are conducted twice yearly, to ensure the warning system is working as expected.

There are 45 sirens between Brooklands and Taylors Mistake.

Visit the Christchurch City Council’s interactive map to find out if you live or work in an evacuation zone.

Christchurch City Council’s head of Community Support and Partnerships John Filsell says the sirens are part of an early warning network for distant-source tsunamis, which could take hours to reach New Zealand shores.

“In the event of an immediate tsunami threat, Civil Defence and New Zealand Police would also use the Emergency Mobile Alert system along with the sirens, radio, television, social media and local community networks to alert residents," says Mr Filsell.

“This is nonetheless a timely reminder for people to check that they’re well prepared in the event of a real emergency."

Information and tips on emergency preparedness can be found on the government’s Get Ready website.