Tsunami Siren Update & Additional Test Dates
Good Morning,
I am sending this to all residents who responded by email to the siren test. Thank you all for your response and efforts to assist with the testing. Many of you reported a successful test, but others reported an unsuccessful test. More often reported was low volume with too short a duration.
First off I have to explain that based on the previous Wednesday’s test the length of the 10/22 test was shortened. The Westminster Chimes start off at full volume and due to concerns expressed by some residents regarding possible hearing damage, the length of the actual test was shortened, believing that the siren would also start at full volume. We discovered as a result of this test (what else is testing for?) that is not the case. The actual siren tone needs some warm up time, so a 30 second test, which was the final plan on 10/22, did not result in a valid test of the siren tone.
PCEMA will be testing again, on November 5, and the first Wednesday of every month hereafter. The test on November 5 will run with a 90 second siren tone. Once the siren tone is validated, a decision may be made to use Westminster Chimes for all monthly tests in order to respond to those residents who have expressed concern regarding possible hearing damage. That option will be discussed at a future PCEMA Council meeting along with regular test results.
Thank you again for your assistance!
Stephanie K Fritts
Pacific County Communications and Emergency Mgmt.
PO Box 27
South Bend, WA 98586
(360) 875-9340 work
(360) 783-2911 cell