CFB Esquimalt has extended trials for its newly installed Mass Notification System used to communicate across the base to all employees, contractors and visitors.
The Department of National Defence and Royal Canadian Navy said the extra trials will take place Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tests conducted in early February were successful but further adjustments to siren tones and verbal messages are needed to minimize the impact on nearby residents while still being audible to base personnel.
The sounds emanate from four speakers mounted on tall poles in the Dockyard, Naden and Work Point in Esquimalt.
After these final trials are completed, the system will be tested at 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month starting April 1.
An alternating tone indicates the test tone, low to high tone indicates evacuation, repeated blast of a single tone indicates shelter in place, and the all-clear tone is similar to the Westminster chime.
• To hear the siren tones, go to navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/ about/structure-marpac-units.page and click on the MNS tab.
