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Testing of AHAWS Sirens Completed

  • Published
  • Offices of Homeland Security and Civil Defense

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) tested the All Hazards Alert Warning Systems (AHAWS) from fifteen (15) locations yesterday, October 2, 2017 at 3 p.m. The pre-scheduled quarterly test for GHS/OCD was held in conjunction with the U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) and Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB) monthly routine testing of the vital communication and advance warning system, "Giant Voice)."

Residents, visitors and motorists surrounding the AHAWS sirens and GV speakers may have been able to hear the pre-scripted voice messaging that announced the start and end of the test, and ten-seconds of the “Alert” siren tone.

As reported by NBG and AAFB emergency management, all Giant Voice siren units sounded off loud and clear.

For the AHAWS sirens, 13 out of 15 were reported as operational. The following are a list of AHAWS sirens that were tested:

1. GHS/OCD facility, Agana Heights

2. Agat Marina

3. JFK High School

4. Talofofo Elementary School

5. Asan Mayor's Office

6. Pago Bay A-Frame South End

7. Inarajan Elementary School

8. Yona Mayor's Office

9. Ft. Soledad, Umatac

10. GWA Pump Station, Merizo 1

1. Ija Agricultural Station, Inarajan

12. Port Authority of Guam

13. Agat Senior Citizen's Center

14. Hotel Nikko Guam

15. Tamuning Mayor’s Office

The two sirens that were reported not operational for the test were the Ija Agricultural Station, Inarajan and the Ft. Soledad, Umatac location. The test provided the useful assessment for the two locations and provided details on what specific parts are needed for both. GHS/OCD are working with the vendor to address the issues with the two sirens in order to return to fully operational.

“The quarterly tests play a vital role in the maintenance of the AHAWS systems,” stated George Charfauros, Homeland Security Advisor. “Our office will continue to work on the maintenance of the systems with the vendor in order to increase the mass communication capability for all-hazards. We recognize the sirens as one form of communication and would utilize multiple systems in the event of a real emergency. It is still a high priority of ours to keep these systems in line. The joint test with our military partners further solidifies our close-knit working relationship and we will continue to coordinate with Joint Region Marianas and all military installations for future tests of the sirens.”

For more information, contact Public Information Officer, Jenna G. Blas at (671) 478-0208 or via email at jenna.g.gaminde@ghs.guam.gov