Authorities Testing Tsunami Warning System

Officials plan to conduct a test of the tsunami warning communications system Wednesday morning.

The emergency test is scheduled to be broadcast at 10:15 a.m. on television and radio stations in Southern California by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the governor's Office of Emergency Services, as part of Tsunami Preparedness Week.

Some television systems are programmed to scroll a standard message indicating the broadcast is a test along with an audio message also saying that it is only a test. However, in some cases, the written message may not contain the word "test."

County officials urged residents to be prepared for natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

"A first step is to find out if you live, work or recreate in a potential tsunami inundation zone by visiting TsunamiZone.org," said Jeff Reeb, director of the county's Office of Emergency Management. "In addition to knowing what are tsunami warning signs, keep yourself and your loved ones safe by developing a family emergency plan."

Residents can also connect with local officials to organize a "tsunami walk" or evacuation drill.

More information is available at https://community.fema.gov and www.tsunami.noaa.gov or by calling 211.

— City News Service, photo via Pixabay