Newport to test emergency siren systems

Newport Beach will test several emergency siren systems at the Balboa Pier for two noisy hours May 22.

Emergency management officials will test up to five siren and voice systems from 10 a.m. to noon to find the best system for the city.

“The idea is to see what they sound like and see what the different sirens can do,” said Jennifer Schulz, spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Fire Dept.

The sirens will be tested on the pier to gauge their usefulness for warning people in the event of a tsunami, but the sirens also could be used in other parts of the city in a variety of emergency situations, Schulz said.

Emergency officials will also post people in different areas around the pier to evaluate the clarity of various public address systems during the tests, Schulz said.

The sirens will be heard throughout Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, portions of Corona del Mar and other areas within at least a one-mile radius of Balboa Pier.

Each of the sirens will be tested for up to three minutes individually.

City officials advise people who live or work near the pier to stay inside and keep pets indoors during the tests.

For more information, visit city.newport-beach.ca.us or call (949) 644-3111.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at [email protected].