Tsunami siren testing for Auckland beaches

Tsunami sirens will be tested on Sunday at north and west Auckland beaches. Photo / Richard Robinson

Tsunami sirens will be tested at north and west Auckland beaches in April.

The sirens will sound three times, using three sets of tones, which each signal a different message: alert, evacuate or all clear.

Each tone will sound for one minute, with 15 seconds in between.

In a real emergency the sirens sound from between five and 15 minutes.

Auckland head of emergency management operations Angus McKay said the sirens were tested every six months.

"This is a test only," Mr McKay said. "There's no need for anyone to do anything different and please don't panic."

It's also a good time to check household survival and getaway kits, he said.