Hawaiians can expect the familiar sound of sirens to punctuate the air come February 3, as the monthly test of the Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System takes place. At precisely 11:45 a.m., residents across the islands will hear the steady tone of a one-minute Attention Alert Signal, a routine check of the systems designed to warn them of imminent dangers. According to a news release published by the Hawaii Governor's Office, this is a coordination effort that also includes a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.
Along with the sirens, the Emergency Alert System will run a Live Audio Broadcast test in cooperation with Hawai'i's broadcast industry. These tests remind us of the vulnerability of life in the Pacific. If you hear these alerts outside of a test, stay tuned to local government channels for updates and instructions through radio, TV, or mobile alerts, as reported by the Hawaii Governor's Office.
Hawaii's multifaceted alert system, operated under the watchful guidance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, plays a crucial role in the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System's national infrastructure. It functions as a modern-day tocsin, alerting the populace through sound-and-text warnings delivered to compatible cellphones when danger rears its head, as per the Hawaii Governor's Office.
For those wanting to learn more about disaster preparedness, the "Get Ready" section on ready.hawaii.gov offers helpful resources, recommended by the Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA). You can also sign up for county-specific alerts to stay informed. If you notice any issues with the sirens, report them to your local county civil defense agency to help keep everyone safe, as stated by the Hawaii Governor's Office.
If there are issues with the siren test, each county has a contact number: Honolulu – 808-723-8960, Maui County – 808-270-7285, Kauaʻi – 808-241-1800, and Hawaiʻi County – 808-935-0031. These efforts show Hawai'i’s commitment to keeping its people safe from natural disasters.
