CSEPP Siren Test Scheduled For Tuesday, August 31st

Pendleton, Ore. -- A test of the Oregon Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP)siren system is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, August 31. The test coincides with tests of CSEPP sirens onthe Umatilla Chemical Depot and in Benton County, Washington.

The 76 sirens will begin the test with a verbal message in English and Spanish reminding people that it is only a test. The message will be followed by sounding of the Westminster chimes. In a chemical emergency, the sirens would blare a distinctly different alert tone for three-minutes followed by instructions in English and Spanish.

Highway message reader boards along I-82 and I-84 will also 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 public warning systems surrounding the Umatilla Chemical Depot, visit www.csepp.net. Click on "Warning Systems".

For information on how to prepare for emergencies contact Umatilla County Emergency Management toll free at (877) 367-2737, Morrow County Emergency Management at (541) 922-5262 or visit www.csepp.net.