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

Public Service Announcement

Monthly Test of CFB Esquimalt’s Mass Notification System 

July 31, 2019 – 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 7, 2019, 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.

Training Validation Exercise at CFB Esquimalt

July 26, 2019 – Esquimalt, B.C. – Department of National Defence / Royal Canadian Navy

A Force Protection training exercise will be held at CFB Esquimalt from July 29 until August 2 and from August 6-9.

During this time, community members may hear the firing of blank ammunition and an increased number of short intermittent alarms followed by general broadcasts from a ship alongside at the jetties in Dockyard. As this exercise will be conducted 24/7, there is a chance these alarms will be heard during the night.

The purpose of this exercise is to prepare the Naval Security Team for assigned tasks.

This is a routine exercise and there is no reason to be alarmed. Every effort has been made to limit the impact on our neighbours in the surrounding community, but the need to simulate the suddenness of an emerging situation in a realistic scenario is vital to ensuring our sailors are trained to the highest level.

Lessons learned from this exercise will be used to improve the future responses, procedures and preparation of our sailors.

Associated Links

http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/about/structure-marpac-units.page click on MNS tab

www.facebook.com/EsquimaltBase

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