Emergency warning systems to be tested

Civil Defence alerts will be sent out next Friday and Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is urging residents to remain calm, it is just a test.

At 10 am on Friday May 6 the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group will be testing all the alerting systems across the Bay, to ensure everything is working correctly.

Text and email alerts would be sent and updates posted on Facebook, Twitter, and the Civil Defence website. It is only a test and Civil Defence has said no action is necessary.

Emergency Management Bay of Plenty director Clinton Naude said that in a real event, people should tune in to the radio for instructions and more information about a potential threat to the region.

"More FM, Newstalk ZB, National Radio or The Hits are the key stations for Rotorua, Tauranga, and Western Bay of Plenty. 1XX for the Eastern Bay," Mr Naude said.

Fixed sirens in the Whakatane and Opotiki districts will also be tested. There are no fixed sirens in Kawerau, Rotorua, Tauranga City or Western Bay of Plenty District so people in those areas will not hear sirens.

Mr Naude hoped that the test will also prompt local people to make sure they're prepared for a Civil Defence emergency.

"There are simple things we can all do now. Sign up to text and email alerts at www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz, prepare a survival kit, and talk to the family. You can find out more about getting prepared at www.getthru.govt.nz," he said.