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Alert system testing at nuclear plants

On Oct. 25 and 26, the Region of Durham will be testing its public alert systems for the Darlington and Pickering nuclear plants. Taking place within the 10-kilometre area of the two plants (shown in green), this will see tests of the outdoor sirens as well as the automated emergency telephone dialing system.

On Oct. 25 and 26, the Region of Durham will be testing its public alert systems for the Darlington and Pickering nuclear plants. Taking place within the 10-kilometre area of the two plants (shown in green), this will see tests of the outdoor sirens as well as the automated emergency telephone dialing system.

Residents in the eastern stretches of Oshawa may hear some sirens later this month – do not worry, it is all a test.

The Region of Durham has announced it will be conducting testing of the public alerting system within the 10-kilometre area around the Darlington and Pickering nuclear plants later this month.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, testing is scheduled to take place during regular business hours for the indoor notification system, which includes an automated telephone dialing system. The following day on Wednesday, Oct. 26, the outdoor sirens will be tested, which will sound for up to one minute.

“The public alerting system is designed to warn residents and businesses in the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency. It consists of two components – outdoor sirens installed within three kilometres of the nuclear generating station, and an automated telephone dialling system for indoor notification within the 10-kilometre area. Only households and businesses with a land line, in this area, will receive the indoor notification,” a news release from the region reads.

“Testing of the public alerting system satisfies provincial requirements. It helps to ensure operation of the system, while increasing public awareness.”

For more information, please call the Public Alerting Information Line at 1-866-551-5373, or visit durham.ca/demo.

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