The Kauai Emergency Management Agency asks residents and businesses to help monitor the monthly statewide outdoor warning siren tests by reporting any issues via a new online survey.

The online survey is voluntary and can be easily accessed on the KEMA website. Click on the “KEMA Siren Reporting Tool” box, read the information and click “next.” You will then be asked whether you wish to become a monthly “siren reporter” or make a one-time report.

The survey allows participants to confirm whether a siren was heard, report issues such as unusual or unclear sounds, whether it failed to activate or report any visible damage. The reports will help KEMA and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, which owns the Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System, to improve the system that alerts the public during emergencies.

HI-EMA conducts the monthly siren test on the first business day of each month at 11:45 a.m. The test is a one-minute steady tone, known as the Attention Alert Signal, that’s coordinated with the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.

“We encourage everyone, especially those who live or work near sirens, to report whether they heard the siren or noticed any malfunctions,” said KEMA Administrator Elton Ushio in a release. “Community feedback is critical to maintaining a reliable alert system. This is an opportunity for residents and businesses to play an active role in disaster preparedness.”