Peninsula tsunami warning sirens to be replaced, tested in the next month

The sounds of tsunami warning sirens will be heard a little more regularly around the Kenai Peninsula in the next month as the borough replaces all existing sirens and adds a couple of new ones. The work is scheduled between Monday, July 24 and Aug. 23.

Sirens in Homer last saw use only days ago, when a Saturday night tsunami warning activated the system.

Issued in response to a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in the western Gulf of Alaska, the warning was later canceled.

That’s why Kenai Peninsula Borough Emergency Manager Brenda Ahlberg said it’s important to be aware of the ongoing testing. A live siren test and an all-clear message will be broadcast at each location during the install process.

All mass notification sirens in the coastal communities of Resurrection Bay and Kachemak Bay will be replaced in a period spanning roughly a month. There will also be two new sirens installed, one in Homer and one in Anchor Point, at the same time.

For more information about the Office of Emergency Management, visit facebook.com/KPBAlerts.

Schedule for mass notification siren replacements

July 24-25: Homer Harbormaster

July 26-27: Homer Ice Rink

July 28-29: Homer Mariner Park

July 31-Aug. 1: Nanwalek

Aug. 2-3: Port Graham

Aug. 4-5: Seldovia

Aug. 7-8: Homer Fish & Game

Aug. 8-9: Homer Bishop’s Beach

Aug. 9-10: Homer Northern Enterprises Boat Yard

Aug. 10-11: Anchor Point