A big noise for the sake of public safety.
Newly installed earthquake and tsunami sirens are being tested Thursday across part of the Capital Region District.
Designed by the University of British Columbia, two state-of-the-art sirens will sound for the first time in Port Renfrew, Pacheedaht First Nation and Jordan River Regional Park.
CRD Director Mike Hicks says some residents would have only 30 minutes to reach safety in the event of a natural disaster.
The new sirens are worth a combined total of $650-thousand dollars.
Once operational, maintenance of the systems will cost $13-thousand dollars annually.
Testing occurs from 11 am til 1 pm Thursday in Jordan River Regional Park, and between 9 am and 5 pm Thursday in Port Renfrew and the Pacheedaht First Nation.
A full test will occur this Sunday February 18 at 11:30 am.