TSUNAMI TEST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.  “Why isn’t this test being conducted elsewhere in California?”
   Answers:

1. We wanted to do a trial run in Humboldt County first.  The agencies involved determined that testing in a small region first would be less disruptive, yet provide the information we need to determine if the system is operating properly. We plan to expand the test over the next few years. 
2. Humboldt County is the perfect county to do the first test like this in California.  This is because the NOAA Weather Radio transmitters in Humboldt County don’t spill over into other counties…and also, Humboldt County is one of the most tsunami-aware counties in the nation.
    
2.  “What is the purpose of this test?”
   Answers:

1. The purpose was to evaluate the tsunami warning system in Humboldt County, with special emphasis on the communication systems used to let the public know about an approaching tsunami.
    
3. “Why is the test time give as a range instead of an exact time?
   Answers:

1. We are saying the test will occur between 10:15 and 10:45 because some media outlets delay test messages before allowing them to interrupt their programming.  In a real event, no such delays should occur.  Also, this gives us time to test several aspects of the warning system.  In other words, if we run into a problem early in the test process, we can fix the problem and continue with the test. 
    
4. “How will this test help save lives?”
   Answers:

1. People can survive even the worst tsunami if they know how to identify when a tsunami is approaching…and they know how to respond.  This test was performed to make sure that folks get official warnings for tsunamis heading their way.
2. This test is about official warnings for tsunamis and making sure people hear about them…but remember that natural warnings, such as a large earthquake, must also be taken very seriously.
    
5.  “Why March 26^th?”
   Answers:

1. March 26 is close to the anniversary of the 1964 tsunami.
    
6. “What if I’m not covered by a siren?
   Answers:

1. Sirens will continue to go up over the next few years but they are not the answer for all communities.
2. Sirens have been tested locally and we found that they do not work well if you are in your home.  Therefore, your best way to learn about a tsunami while in your home is to have a NOAA Weather Radio with the ALERT feature.  In the event of a tsunami warning, special codes will automatically turn on your personal Weather Radio and warn you of the hazard.
3. Remember that there are two ways you will learn of an approaching tsunami: natural warnings and official warnings…Sirens are part of the official warning system but remember that if you feel a large earthquake, move to higher ground or inland as soon as it is safe to do so.  Don’t wait for a siren or any other official warning.
    
7. “If this was real, what other ways would people receive an official notification?”
   Answers:

1. You may be notified by emergency personnel driving through your neighborhood with public address systems, and in some areas, you my get a call from a reverse calling system…which is basically 911 in reverse.  Also, outdoor sirens will be sounded in a real event.
    
8. “If this was real, what actions should people take?”
   Answers:

1. When people hear that there is a tsunami warning, they should get off the beach and get more information by listening to radio and TV stations.  They should not call 911 for more information as this will clog the phone lines for real emergencies. 
    
9. “What specifically will be evaluated to determine what did and did not work?”
   Answers:

1. We have an evaluation web site that the public is invited to fill out.  From this, we will learn how effective the EAS test was in getting the word out to the public.  The web site asks questions like: “what station were you listening too?” and “did you know about the test in advance?”
    
10. “Why are the outdoor sirens not included in the test?”
    Answers:

1. The goal of the test this year is to focus on the evaluation of the Emergency Alert System while minimizing the possibility of confusion.  If the sirens were included, anyone who mistook the test for a real warning, while watching TV for example, could be further convinced there was a real warning if they heard an outdoor siren.  We will add other elements to the test in future years, including sirens.
    
11. “Why is the test not being done on the cable channels?”
    Answers:

1. We discovered some minor problems with how the test message goes out over the cable channels.  These will be addressed in time for next year’s test.  It is important to point out that these known problems would not impact the ability of the cable channels to get out basic information during a real tsunami warning event.  The problems are only related to the test.