Auckland Civil Defence to test tsunami siren

Auckland Civil Defence will be testing the north and west coast tsunami sirens on April 7.

The sirens are located in Rodney at Point Wells, Whangateau, Omaha and Waiwera and will be tested at 12pm on Sunday, April 7.

The test will sound three sets of tones, each one signaling a specific action. They will sound for a minute each, with 15 seconds between each set. In an emergency, the sirens will sound for longer.

The sirens and what to do in an emergency:
Alert (dash - dash - dot - dot) sounds for 15 minutes and indicates threat of tsunami. Evacuate beaches, prepare for full evacuation and monitor the radio or television for more information.

Evacuate (dot - dot - dot) continuous bursts for 15 minutes indicates immediate evacuation to the nearest safe high ground and to avoid using personal transport unless essential.

All clear (continuous tone) sounds for 5 minutes indicate threat has passed. Return to premises if they have not been affected, and follow directions of the emergency services if your area has been affected.