Tsunami sirens and their strobe lights are just one part of a range of formal and informal warning systems, any one of which can alert people to a tsunami.
The sirens and lights are a strong signal to seek more information. When there is a tsunami warning the siren will sound intermittently. The strobe light will flicker throughout the event, from beginning to end.
Listen to the Tsunami warning siren (.mp3 file)
Listen to the Tsunami warning siren (.wav file)
A number of communities in Northland have Tsunami warning sirens. The following brochure has a map showing the location of sirens and relevant evacuation zones.
Download the Tsunami Sirens brochure (1 MB)
Tsunami sirens don’t necessarily mean you need to evacuate the area right away or even at all. They do mean you need to find out what the level of threat is. You can do this by turning on the TV or radio or visiting one of the websites below if you hear a siren.
Visit the Ministry of Civil Defence website
Visit the Whāngārei District Council website
Visit the Far North District Council website
Visit the Kaipara District Council website