PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT - Monthly Test of CFB Esquimalt's Mass Notification System

Monthly Test of CFB Esquimalt’s Mass Notification System

July 26, 2017 – Esquimalt, B.C. – Department of National Defence / Royal Canadian Navy

The monthly test of CFB Esquimalt’s Mass Notification System will take place on August 2, 2017 at 11 a.m. for approximately one minute.

Residents may hear sirens and verbal messages from speakers mounted on tall poles in Dockyard, Naden and Work Point in Esquimalt.  Due to a variety of environmental factors including temperature, humidity and wind direction it may be possible that the sirens will be heard in neighbouring municipalities.

Because CFB Esquimalt covers a large area, this system will be an invaluable tool during an emergency for communicating important information to base employees, contractors and those visiting our facilities.

During the monthly tests two tones plus a message will be used - the ‘test tone’ (alternating tone), a message in English and French and the ‘all clear’ tone (similar to Westminster chime).  Audio files are available on the Maritime Forces Pacific website.

Routine one minute tests will take place on a monthly basis at 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.

Bentinck Island Range

July 24, 2017 – Esquimalt, B.C. – Department of National Defence/ Royal Canadian Navy

The land-based demolition range at Bentinck Island will be in use 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily from Monday July 31, 2017 to Friday August 4, 2017.

Bentinck Island is located near Race Rocks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Used as a terrestrial demolition range by the Canadian Armed Forces, local residents will likely be unaware of the activities except on days when environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and wind direction affect how far the sound will travel.
 

Numerous studies have been conducted on the potential environmental effects of Bentinck Island demolitions.  Specifically, blast noise in the marine environment during land-based demolitions is almost undetectable by acoustic equipment above that of other underwater background sounds such as waves and marine life.

The public is reminded that no unauthorized person may enter this area and trespassing is prohibited.

Contact
Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt Public Affairs
Phone: 250-363-4006
Email: cfbesquimalt@outlook.com
After Hours: 250-888-6775