Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Final Sound Testing At Naval Station Everett

Over the last couple of weeks people have called 911 reporting strange and disturbing announcements from Naval Station Everett.

The noise has come from a project we first told you about back on June 25th to replace the outdoor sound system.

Well here’s one more heads-up from Naval Station Everett regarding final sound testing on the base this week.

Reminder and Update:
The final sound testing of the newly upgraded outdoor speaker system is scheduled to begin Wednesday, Aug. 1 and end by Friday, Aug. 3. Testing will occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Naval Station Everett, Smokey Point, and Jim Creek locations.

Please be advised that multiple tests must be done for each individual speaker tower. These will include “white-noise” sounds lasting for about a minute. The high volume tests are done to ensure the system will function properly in the event that a real emergency alert is necessary. We appreciate the community’s continued patience as the final tests are completed.

During testing, the sounds heard at intervals may include voice announcements, audio recordings, white noise, and sirens. Sounds may range from low growls, static noise, single tones, and extended tones. Volumes will vary from low to high, with brief high volume sounds. Sound levels will be monitored to ensure it meets Navy and FEMA standards for emergency notifications and design specifications.

The outdoor speakers are part of the U.S. Navy’s Mass Warning and Notification System (Wide Area Alert Network). They are required to communicate emergency alerts with Navy personnel and those within earshot who are not able to receive other means of notification. In addition to emergency notification, all Navy installations are mandated to play the national anthem and observe daily hoisting and lowering of the national ensign at 8 a.m. and again at sunset.

Naval Station Everett intends to reduce the impact of this system upgrade to neighboring communities where possible, while maintaining the ability to meet mass warning notification system requirements. We thank the community for their continued support and understanding.