NORTH COAST, Calif. – A tsunami warning communications test is planned for several North Coast counties in March.
The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office said the test will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 26.
The participating counties are Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino.
The test of the Tsunami Warning System – meant to ensure it works properly during a real tsunami emergency – will include interruptions of TV and radio stations, and activation of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios and outdoor sirens. Not all cable and satellite TV stations may be able to participate.
For those watching television between 11 a.m. and noon on March 26, they can expect to see a crawler at the bottom of the screen indicating that a tsunami warning has been issued and hear a voice indicating that it is only a test, sheriff's officials said.
Those listening to the radio will hear alerting tones followed by a voice announcing that the test is occurring. NOAA weather radios with the public alert feature will automatically turn on and broadcast the test message, according to the sheriff's report.
In some areas, people also may hear the sounding of a tsunami siren or an airplane testing its public address system.
When seeing or hearing the warning test, community members are reminded that they don't need to take action, and should not call 911 or evacuate their homes or businesses.
The public is asked to help evaluate this test by following the links online at www.weather.gov/eureka or by telephone at 707-443-6484.
The test is conducted by the National Weather Service; the California Office of Emergency Services; the Offices of Emergency Services for Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties; and tribal governments.
Officials said that monthly testing of all outdoor sirens in northwest California will begin in May. Additional details will be provided in late April.