Early Warning System Siren Test completed in San Luis Obispo County, one siren malfunction found

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - The San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services and Pacific Gas & Electric Company conducted an Annual Early Warning System Siren Test Saturday afternoon.

During the test, all 131 sirens across the county were activated simultaneously and sounded for three minutes straight.

The first test began at 12 p.m. and the second test aired at 12:30 p.m.

Although the siren system is tested regularly throughout the year, the county said this annual test is the only time all of the sirens are sounded at the same time.

No action is required when you hear the sirens during the tests.

Following Saturday's tests, the SLO County Office of Emergency Services reported that 130 of the 131 sirens operated successfully. One siren, however, near Highway 101 and El Campo Road just south of Arroyo Grande did not sound.

PG&E and the County of San Luis Obispo are investigating the malfunction and will return the siren to service as soon as the issue is identified.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to watch out for backup alert and notification procedures that have been put in place for that area should the sirens be needed.

This siren system may be used by the county during a local emergency and will notify the public that the Emergency Alert System has been activated and that action needs to be taken such as an evacuation or shelter in place.

When the sirens sound during an emergency, the public should immediately tune to a local radio or television station to receive emergency information and instruction.

The Early Warning System sirens cover an area extending from Cayucos in the north to the Nipomo Mesa in the south and east through the City of San Luis Obispo.

For additional information about these systems or how to prepare your family for an emergency, visit ReadySLO.org or call the County Office of Emergency Services at 805-781-5011.