Hawaii tests cold-war nuclear sirens in the face of North Korea threat

A Hwasong-12 intermediate range missile launches in North Korea on Aug. 30, 2017. Hawaiian emergency agencies are resuming testing of nuclear sirens used in the cold war in case of an attack by North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)

 

With tensions surrounding North Korea still rising, Hawaii plans to reactivate its early warning system in the event of a nuclear attack. Along with the siren testing, emergency officials hope to inform residents of how to protect themselves in their homes.

NOVEMBER 28, 2017 —Hawaii this week will resume monthly statewide testing of its cold war-era nuclear attack warning sirens for the first time in about 30 years, in preparation for a potential missile launch from North Korea, emergency management officials said.

Hawaii Plans Campaign in Case of NKorea Attack

Intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 is seen during its test launch in this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency. KCNA/via REUTERS

 

Although the agency said the threat to Hawaii is low, North Korea’s continuing program of missile tests pushed the officials to prepare disaster management plans. Vern Miyagi, administrator of the emergency management agency, told Hawaii News Now that the public shouldn’t be alarmed but see the new plans as akin to hurricane or tsunami perparation.