Hutt City Council news release

08 October 2010

City-wide emergency siren test 10am Thursday

The emergency sirens in Lower Hutt will be tested for two minutes at 10am on Thursday 14 October as part of the nationwide ‘Get Ready Get Thru’ emergency preparedness campaign next week.

Hutt City emergency management controller Paul Nickalls says the annual test will check the system is working well and remind residents what to do when the siren is heard.

“The test is an opportunity for people to think about whether they’re fully prepared for a disaster. This means knowing what to do and having plans and supplies in place.

“If ever the siren is used in an emergency, it will most likely indicate a tsunami warning or the potential for serious flooding. If that happens, people should turn on their radios for information about what to do or go to the council’s website at www.huttcity.govt.nz.”

The test is being publicised through the council’s website, local media, and a Readynet text alert.

Any business, school, community or neighbourhood group can sign up to Readynet to get emergency information and alerts sent to them via text message and email. More information is available at www.huttcity.govt.nz

ENDS

Note to editors:
Hutt City’s commitment to emergency preparedness continues on Saturday 23 October when Hutt City’s Emergency Response Team will compete with six other teams from across New Zealand in Upper Hutt. Spectators can view the competition throughout the day at Heretaunga Park, Kiwi Street, Maidstone Park and on the Hutt Riverbank south and north of the SH2 Moonshine Bridge.

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