Ruapehu civil defence has issued a reminder that the volunteer Fire Brigade sirens in Ohakune and Raetihi are used as a 'call to action' for the local Fire Brigade volunteers, not for announcing civil defence emergencies.
Ruapehu Emergency Management Officer Nick Watson said that there had been confusion recentlyas to what the sirens meant, especially among newer residents and visitors.
"This was highlighted during the recent mid-July snow event that hit the central North Island," he said.
"Council was fielding enquires from visitors and tourists who were snow-bound in Ohakune and Raetihi and concerned as to what the sirens meant."
"The Fire Brigade sirens are only used as a 'call to action' for the local Fire Brigade volunteers, except for their daily test which is at 12 noon in Ohakune and 8.00am in Raetihi."
"Civil Defence uses mainstream and social media to get our messages out including the announcement of any significant emergency event."
Mr. Watson said that anyone wanting to stay abreast of the current Ruapehu civil defence status for their community should listen to local radio and join the relevant civil defence social media pages.
