HAWAII ISLAND – The monthly test of the statewide outdoor siren warning system, coordinated with the test of the live audio broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System, is scheduled for today, April 1, 2016, at 11:45 a.m.

April is also the start of tsunami awareness month in Hawaii.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency says the siren test is a steady one minute tone on all sirens. The steady tone is used to alert the public to any emergency that may pose a threat to life and property. Besides natural hazards, the Emergency Alert System could be used for terrorist incidents or acts of war.

Officials say Big Island residents should contact their Hawaii County Civil Defense agency to report siren operations issues, at (808) 935-0031.

When the siren signal is sounded in your area, tune to any local radio or television station for emergency information and instructions broadcast by emergency management agencies. Participating stations will carry a detailed explanation of what the sirens mean, as well as other related information, during the monthly test.

Tests of outdoor warning sirens and the Emergency Alert System are conducted simultaneously, normally on the first working day of the month, in cooperation with Hawaii’s broadcasting industry. Emergency management and disaster preparedness information is located in the front section of telephone directories in all counties.Hawaii Emergency Management Agency