Christchurch’s tsunami sirens will be tested this Sunday at 11am. The sirens are located along the coast from Taylors Mistake to Brooklands. The sirens will sound for approximately three minutes, and are designed to be heard within a few blocks of the coast. Sirens are tested twice a year on the Sundays that daylight saving starts and finishes.  

If you live near the coast it is important to know if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone and the best way to get out.

For Christchurch, the risk of a local source tsunami compared to a distance source tsunami is low. If a local source tsunami occurs, we will not have time to activate the sirens, so remember ‘Long or Strong, Get Gone’. One of the best natural warning signs is the earthquake itself. If you experience a strong earthquake that is difficult to stand up in or it lasts for a minute or more, you should immediately move to higher ground.

If you are in a tsunami evacuation zone it is important that you discuss a plan with your family. Think about having a getaway kit with essential items you might need if you have to evacuate in a hurry.

Further information on the tsunami evacuation zone, the tsunami sirens and preparedness information can be found here.

To receive emergency alerts, download the Red Cross Hazards app using the links below.

Apple iOS download: https://itunes.apple.com/…/…/hazards-red-cross/id1022344440…
Google Android download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details…