03/14 Tsunami Warning Sirens
Technical Standard [TS03/14]
Tsunami sirens are one of the warning channels used in emergency events in New Zealand. Local authorities uses sirens to alert the public about tsunami and other emergencies.
This technical standard supports national consistency of tsunami sirens. It covers the:
- required siren signal,
- meaning of sirens, and
- operational requirements.
It is important to recognise that sirens are only one component of a wider warning system. This technical standard is not an official endorsement of sirens for tsunami warnings. This is especially because there are many disadvantages to using tsunami sirens.
There is also accompanying research document available. The National Emergency Management Agency commissioned these to inform this standard.
Technical Standard [TS03/14] - Tsunami Warning Sirens (.pdf 309kb)
Sound File: Tsunami Sirens Standard_signal_multiple tone repeated rise.wav (.wav 1,332 kb)
The use of sirens for tsunami warning in New Zealand (.pdf 2,250kb)