New date confirmed for tsunami siren testing

Forty five sirens between Brooklands and Taylors Mistake will sound for up to three minutes at 11am on the last Sunday of the school holidays.  

Residents will hear a tone followed by a message: “This is a test of the tsunami warning sirens. Do not be alarmed. This is only a test.” 

The new testing date follows the earlier failure in March to test the sirens, due to human error.   

Christchurch City Council Civil Defence and Emergency Management Manager Brenden Winder says it’s important the sirens are re-tested to ensure they work effectively.  

“We recognise the critical importance of testing the tsunami sirens and acknowledge the confusion that the earlier failed test created,” he said.  

“We’ve had discussions with our supplier and we have sufficient safeguards in place to ensure this test will go ahead as planned. It is only a test and there is no need for anyone to evacuate.” 

Mr Winder said reminders would be put out closer to the testing date.  

In the event of an immediate tsunami threat, Civil Defence and New Zealand Police would use the cellphone-based Emergency Mobile Alert system, radio, television, social media, sirens and local community networks to alert residents. 

To find out whether you live or work in a tsunami evacuation zone, visit Christchurch City Council’s interactive online map. 

Evacuation tips and more information can also be found on the Council’s website.