Look for sirens Monday, 3 p.m.; not to worry, it's just a test

If you're in range of a Guam emergency warning system siren, you'll be hearing it Monday afternoon at 3 p.m.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense will test the All Hazards Alert Warning System (AHAWS) from 15) locations on Monday, October 2, 2017 beginning at 3 p.m.

The pre-scheduled quarterly test for GHS/OCD will be held in conjunction with the U.S. Naval Base Guam and Andersen Air Force Base monthly routine testing of the vital communication and advance warning system, “Giant Voice.”

“This will be the first time Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base, and Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense have simultaneously tested our warning systems,” said Capt. Hans Sholley, NBG commanding officer. “This demonstrates the great partnership between the federal and local governments and ensures that if and when the need arises to use these emergency warning systems, we will be able to inform the whole island.”

“The quarterly tests help us to identify gaps and shortfalls with our current capabilities,” stated Charles Esteves, Office of Civil Defense Administrator. “It is important for the public to understand that the AHAWS is but a single component in our emergency mass notification system. We ask for the public’s patience and support as we continually work with our Federal, military, and private partners to improve our island’s all-hazards warning system.”

Residents, visitors and motorists surrounding the AHAWS sirens and GV speakers can expect to hear pre-scripted voice messaging announcing the start and end of the test, and ten-seconds of the “Alert” tone, which can be heard here: Future tests of the AHAWS sirens will continue to be conducted on a quarterly basis. The GV tests will continue to be held monthly and typically falls on the first Monday of each month.

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