Lahar Warning System Test Scheduled For Monday

TACOMA, WA - Pierce County Emergency Management at noon on Monday will test the county's Lahar Warning System. County residents are advised not to call 911 when the sirens go off; this is only a test.

The county's Lahar Warning System currently consists of 34 sirens throughout the Puyallup River Valley, which are designed to provide advance warning should a large volcanic mudslide from Mt. Rainier threaten nearby communities.

According to the county, potential damage from such an event could be catastrophic to the area "given the sheer number and volume of glaciers on Mt. Rainier, and proximity of residents to the mountain."

Should a lahar event occur, thousands of residents would have between 40 minutes and 3 hours to evacuate to safety, PCEM officials said. Monday's test is meant to help residents identify such an emergency.

For an example of what you'll hear at noon today, click here.

And to learn more about the county's warning system, visit piercecountywa.gov.

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