"The tests will also coincide with the testing programme in the Whangarei and Kaipara districts, which have the same alarms in coastal locations from Mangawhai Heads to Bland Bay.
"This is an opportunity to make people aware of what the tsunami sirens sound like and what they need to do if they are activated other than within this test period," he said.
The main message was that the siren was not a signal to evacuate immediately, or even at all, but a warning that people should quickly seek information, from the radio, TV, district council or media websites, even by asking their neighbours, to establish the level of the threat and determine what they need to do next.
"The siren is telling people a tsunami warning has been received and they may need to be ready to evacuate to higher ground," Mr Hutchinson said.
"Information will be broadcast by radio and television stations once the level of the threat has been determined. The level of threat may only be a warning to stay off the beach."
The only Far North exception to the rule was Taupo Bay, where radio reception was notoriously bad.
The plan for that community was to evacuate to higher ground immediately, until further information on the threat level was available.
Other communities where radio and TV reception wasn't reliable, and whose community response plan or personal household emergency plans were to evacuate, should do that.
"If people do not know what their community response plan is I would strongly advise them to find out so they can be involved and are able to respond accordingly," Mr Hutchinson said.
Ahipara, Taupo Bay, Mangonui, Cooper's Beach, Cable Bay. Hihi, Pukenui, the Karikari Peninsula, Paihia, Russell, Taipa, Tauranga Bay, Te Hapua, Te Ngaere, Totara North and Waipapakauri Ramp already had community response plans in place in the event of any Civil Defence emergency.
"These plans identify local hazards and assist the communities to maintain some resilience if an emergency occurs," he said.
"They include their own warning systems and local procedures to get the message out on the extent of the threat and on evacuation routes, potential inundation areas and safe areas."
The council would welcome approaches from other communities that would like assistance in setting up local community response plans.
For more detailed information go to www.fndc.govt.nz/civildefence, www.nrc.govt.nz/civildefence, www.wdc.govt.nz/, www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland
