NEWS

LAHAR TEST TODAY AT 10:00AM

By: Rich Carr October 6, 2008

Orting Lahar sirens are scheduled to be tested this morning at 10:00am.

This test is part of an effort to educate and prepare citizens for potential volcanic hazards in the Puyallup and Carbon River valleys. This drill will test the alert call-down process and allow the monitoring of sound coverage throughout the valley.

"The Lahar Warning System test will involve (if not raining) the kids walking as well from the school to Calistoga Bridge." said William Drake, Orting Chief of Police. "Some will walk on to the Soldier’s Home."

"This is a test of primarily the Orting newer type of sirens only. The older “air raid” type of siren (of which we have two) located near the 500 block of Calistoga MAY not be tested and the one near Williams Blvd NW & Mellinger Ave (in the Village Green subdivision) MAY not be used in this test as well. We will have a portion of the school kids walk all the way to the soldiers home to better ascertain our timing."

"The siren test may last as long as 20-25 minutes. Some Public Address (PA) type of announcements may also be heard (this is a capability of the newer type of sirens only). We very much appreciate everyone’s patience & understanding during these twice yearly test."

Please continue to drive carefully during this test as foot traffic in town will be considerably larger with the Lahar Warning Test in progress.

According to Geotimes, Orting residents face a one in seven chance that a lahar (the Indonesian word for a mudflow) will occur in their lifetimes. Orting News polled residents on May 4th as to whether or not the Lahar Warning System made them feel safe. For the answers, click here: www.ortingnews.com/weekly-question-archives/3/ .

According to the 172 page Pierce County Comprehensive Emergency Plan, available to the public online at www.co.pierce.wa.us/xml/abtus/ourorg/dem/CEMP/ESFs 1-15 2006_10_11.pdf the USGS installed and Pierce County DEM maintains the Lahar Warning System.

"The system is a network of 25 sirens located throughout the Puyallup River valley, beginning in Orting and ending in Fife. Initially the system was considered to be the primary warning system for the valley but numerous tests have not always resulted in success." states the Emergency Plan. "The time of day, nearby traffic noise, Pierce County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan ESF 2: Communications / August 2006 7 of 12 being inside or outside, and an individual’s hearing ability all impact the effectiveness of the siren system along communities along the Puyallup River. PCDEM advocates all home and business owners and governmental and non-governmental organizations purchase and use the NOAA all hazards radio."