LOCAL
Monday, January 26, 2004
70 sirens tested
Tuesday
PENDLETON — The monthly
test of the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) siren
system in Oregon is scheduled for noon Tuesday.
The test coincides with tests of CSEPP sirens on the Umatilla Chemical
Depot and in Benton County, Wash.
All 70 of the CSEPP sirens will use the Westminster chimes during
the test. In a Umatilla Chemical Depot chemical emergency, the sirens would
sound using a distinctly different tone, a steady warning tone for three
minutes straight.
The Oregon test will begin with a voice message over the siren speakers
reminding residents of the test. The message is broadcast in both English
and Spanish. The voice message will be followed by the Westminster chimes
tones.
The test ends with a second voice message that says the test has
concluded.
Both the test and the emergency alert tone can be heard at www.csepp.net.
Click on the “how would I be warned” icon.
Highway message reader boards along Interstates 82 and 84 also will
be tested Tuesday. Motorists will see a reminder of the noon siren test displayed.
The sirens and highway reader boards are two of five public warning
systems that would be activated by emergency management officials in the
event of a chemical emergency at the Umatilla Chemical Depot. The sirens,
highway message reader boards and highway advisory radio would alert people
who are outdoors. Tone Alert Radios and the Emergency Alert System would
alert people indoors.
For more information on Oregon’s CSEPP siren system, call the Oregon
Emergency Management office in Pendleton at 966-9640.
To receive an information packet on how to prepare for chemical
emergencies or to schedule a speaker for your class, club or business in
Umatilla County, call CSEPP at (877) 367-2737, or in Morrow County contact
at (541) 481-3424.