WHEN: Wednesday, March 27, 2013, between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon

WHERE: Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino Counties.

HOW: Interruptions of TV* and Radio Stations, and activation of NOAA Weather Radios and Outdoor Sirens.

*Not all Cable and Satellite TV Stations may be able to participate

WHY: To test the Tsunami Warning System to ensure it works properly during a real tsunami emergency.

HOW THIS TEST WILL AFFECT YOU:

If you are watching television between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon on Wednesday morning, expect to see a crawler at the bottom of the screen indicating that a tsunami warning has been issued and hear a voice indicating that it is only a test.  If you don’t hear the TV audio, please remember that this is only a test.  If you are listening to the radio you will hear alerting tones followed by a voice announcing that the test is occurring.  If you have a NOAA weather radio with the Public Alert feature the radio will automatically turn on and you will hear the same message as broadcast on radios.  In some areas, you may also hear the sounding of a tsunami siren, or you may hear an airplane testing its public address system.  Some schools and communities in the three test counties may be practicing their evacuation plans during the test.  You will receive additional information about any planned drills in your area.

Please help us evaluate this test by following the links online or by telephone at:

www.weather.gov/eureka        707-443-6484

PREPARE: Find out more about preparing for earthquakes, tsunamis or other disasters on the North Coast at http://humboldt.edu/shakyground, or  Contact the American Red Cross: Humboldt – (707) 443-4521; Del Norte – (707) 464-2277; Mendocino – (707) 463-0112

The test is conducted by the National Weather Service, the California Emergency Management Agency, the Offices of Emergency Services for Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino Counties, and Tribal Governments.  For more information contact: National Weather Service (707) 443-6484.