The Thames-Coromandel District Council is advising locals they'll be testing the tsunami sirens across the district on Friday, September 25, at 12pm.

Coinciding with the last day of the school term, Civil Defence Thames Valley Emergency Operating Area office manager Gary Talbot says locals will not need to evacuate their homes for the annual test.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council will be sounding tsunami sirens across the district as part of its annual test which takes place on Friday, September 25. Photo: File

The tsunami sirens are fire sirens that wind up and then hold a continuous tone for ten minutes or more. For the test, though, the sirens will only hold the tone for between two and three minutes.

Gary says the TVEOA will test tsunami sirens in Cooks Beach, Coromandel Town, Hahei, Kuaotunu, Pauanui, Port Charles, Tairua, Tapu, Thames, Whangapoua, Whangamata and Whitianga.

'Turua and Matarangi communities will also sound their sirens at the same time,” adds Gary. 'However, recognising the nature signs for potential tsunami is the most effective way to protect us, our families, friends and staff from tsunami.”

The natural signs that a tsunami is imminent include: a violent earthquake that may knock you off your feet, rolling vibrating earthquake that lasts several minutes, sudden or unusual changes in tide height, and loud roaring noises like a jet engine from out at sea.

In a real event you should self-evacuate immediately to high ground or as far inland as possible, says Gary.

'Having a personal evacuation plan is vital. As a general guide the 20 metre contour height is deemed the safest point to evacuate to.”

Over the last few years the council has worked with communities to produce community response plans which have this information included.

You can listen to a previous tsunami siren test here. Locals can also view the local 20m response contour lines by visiting the Thames-Coromandel District Council's map page.

To learn more about what to do in the event of a Tsunami visit the Thames Valley Civil Defence website.