Hawaii Tests Nuclear Attack Siren for First Time Since Cold War

The U.S. state of Hawaii has tested a nuclear attack warning siren for the first time since the end of the Cold War in an effort to prepare people for a possible missile attack by North Korea.


The sirens sounded for a minute on Friday, helping emergency officials to ensure the equipment worked properly and to inform residents and tourists about the warning system.

Hawaii Governor David Ige said this week that the test will ensure the public knows what to do in case of an imminent attack. He said people will have less than 20 minutes to take shelter after hearing the warning sirens.

The state is adding the signal to its monthly “Attention Alert” test, which warns people of an incoming tsunami or hurricane. Officials say the new siren uses a different wavering tone to distinguish it from other sirens.

The tests will continue to take place on the first business day of every month.
 [voanews.com]
 1/12/17