Whatcom County Tsunami Sirens to Sound During Earthquake Drill on October 17th
Whatcom County will activate tsunami sirens on October 17th at 10:17 AM for the Great ShakeOut drill. Residents should not be alarmed as the sirens will sound for approximately two minutes to simulate a tsunami alert. This exercise promotes awareness and preparedness for earthquakes and tsunamis.
Whatcom County residents residing near tsunami alert towers are advised not to be alarmed when the sirens are activated on Thursday, October 17th, at 10:17 AM as part of the annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. The sirens will emit a genuine wailing sound for approximately two minutes, differing from the customary Westminster Chimes heard during monthly tests. The tsunami alert sirens are strategically positioned in various locations, including Blaine, Birch Bay, Lummi Peninsula, Point Roberts, Sandy Point, and the Port of Bellingham. These sirens are specifically designed to be audible to individuals located outside within a 500-foot radius. Additionally, NOAA weather radios that are set to receive the mandatory monthly test will also be activated during this exercise. The Great ShakeOut serves as a global initiative to enhance public awareness regarding earthquake preparedness, taking place annually on October 20th at 10:20 AM. This initiative encourages participation from public institutions, businesses, and schools. Each state is responsible for organizing its own campaigns and drills under this initiative, including the state of Washington.
The Great ShakeOut is an international earthquake drill event that aims to raise awareness and promote preparedness in case of an earthquake. It is held annually, with a set time designated for participating organizations to practice their response strategies. The activation of tsunami alert sirens during this exercise serves both to prepare individuals for potential tsunami threats and to familiarize residents with emergency signal sounds, which may differ from regular testing signals.
In summary, Whatcom County residents should expect the activation of tsunami sirens on October 17th as part of the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. This exercise is essential for raising public awareness about earthquake responses, specifically regarding tsunami alerts. The drilled activation underscores the importance of preparedness and ensures that community members are informed about how to react in the event of an actual tsunami or earthquake.
Original Source: whatcom-news.com
