South Bend, Washington – The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency’s (PCEMA) All Hazard Alert Broadcast (AHAB) siren system next scheduled monthly test will be Monday, July 6th at noon. It is recommended that residents of Pacific County mark their calendars for the monthly AHAB siren system test. The test is currently scheduled for the first Monday of every month at noon. The current procedure for the monthly test is for the sirens to sound the Westminster Chimes for 10 seconds followed by a 15 second verbal message stating “The following is a test of the siren warning system. It is only a test. This is a test of the siren warning system. If this had been a real emergency you should tune your radio to your local radio station or listen to this system for further instructions. This was only a test.” In actual events, the AHAB sirens will sound a constant tone for three continuous minutes, and may be followed by a verbal message. Both the Westminster chimes and the actual warning tone can be heard by visiting the PCEMA website atwww.co.pacific.wa.us/pcema and clicking on the Tsunami tab. There are currently ten AHAB sirens installed along the Long Beach Peninsula located in the areas of Ilwaco, Seaview, Long Beach, Surfside, and Ocean Park. There is also an AHAB siren located in Bay Center. Sirens are not designed to be heard indoors and the sound may also be impacted by adverse weather. Residents are encouraged to have alternate methods of warning such as NOAA weather radios, which are tested weekly and can be heard indoors. Residents with questions or concerns may contact the PCEMA office at (360) 875-9340 or (360) 642-9340.

South Bend, Washington – Effective July 31, 2009, the Pacific County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will no longer be utilized as a meeting room. The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency (PCEMA) intends to keep the EOC ready for activation 24/7 in the event of an emergency. Having the EOC operationally ready will enable testing of phones and computer connections on a regular basis as well as create functionality for training and exercise. It will result in an overall safer work environment. Alternative meeting space is located at the Pacific County Annex where a large meeting room and two smaller conference rooms are available for use. Please contact General Administration at (360) 875-9334 for scheduling. If you have questions or need additional information you may contact the PCEMA office at (360) 875-9340 or (360) 642-9340.