Washington City to Get Tsunami Warning System

Birch Bay, Wash. will soon be equipped with a tsunami warning system.

The Bellingham Herald reported that the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is working with the state to set up an emergency warning system for Birch Bay that would provide advance notice of tsunamis and other natural disasters.

The all-hazard alert broadcast is similar to warning sirens already in place at Sandy Point, Point Roberts and other county locations.

County officials are working with the state to find the best public locations. They would include areas within Birch Bay State Park and property owned by Birch Bay Water and Sewer District.

Money for the project came from a $50,000 grant to Whatcom Community Foundation from Phillips 66, which has an oil refinery near Cherry Point.