NSW: Sydney CBD's emergency warning system to be tested monthly
24 Apr 2009 2:34 AM
Sydney's CBD emergency warning system will be tested on a monthly basis .. starting today .. to ensure it works and to make the public aware of what it sounds like.
The effectiveness of the system came under fire last month .. after revelations one third of the city's sirens are useless during power failures because of a lack of backup batteries.
The problem became apparent following a blackout that cut power to 70 thousand homes and businesses in Sydney's CBD and eastern suburbs on March 30.
About 140 sets of traffic lights were also effected .. causing peak hour traffic chaos.
Police say a monthly test of the emergency warning system .. which includes 98 speakers located throughout the CBD .. will take place on the last Friday of each month.
A test at 12.15 (AEST) this afternoon will focus on selected sites within the Sydney CBD.
AAP RTV bc/af/psm/
