Tsunami Warning Sirens Installed in Ketchikan

A pair of sirens has been installed in Ketchikan, Alaska, to warn of tsunamis.

The Ketchikan Daily News reports the city fire department used an $80,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association for the warning system.

Tsunamis became a concern after a 2012 scare.

Fire Department Chief Frank Share says different tones will warn of various disasters.

Sirens will play a “pulse steady” tone if there’s a possible tsunami, warning residents to head for high ground.

Alternating pitches will signal a dam failure.

The test tone is a long, steady wail and will be sounded every Saturday at noon.

The federal grant also paid for signs that will direct people to evacuation routes and evacuation centers.