The Timaru District Council Public Alerting Siren System is now tested the First Wednesday of every month at 10:45am.

The primary function of the sirens is to inform and advise the public using the local radio stations.  This means that when you hear the sirens go off you need to turn your radio on and listen to your local station, which is Port FM on either 93.1 FM or 97.9 FM.  Additional messages are relayed using Classic Hits FM on 98.7 FM and Newstalk ZB on 1152 AM.

These emergency sirens can also be used to notify communities that:

• An emergency warning has been issued (such as for a tsunami)
• An emergency has been Declared
• Rapid evacuation is necessary or
• Important information should be noted

The sirens can be operated remotely from vehicles or the Timaru District Council Offices and in some cases locally by an Emergency Volunteer.  This assists the local community in their own response to an emergency and increases their resilience.

If you would like any further information please contact Lamorna Cooper on 03 687 7200.