Region of Durham testing its nuclear public alerting system on October 29 and 30

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham will carry out its annual fall test of the nuclear public alerting system on October 29 and 30. The public alerting system is designed to warn residents and businesses in the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency. It has two components: an automated telephone dialing system to notify landline phones within 10 kilometres of the nuclear generating stations, and outdoor sirens within the three-kilometre area.

When: On October 29, the automated telephone dialing system will be tested. On October 30, the outdoor sirens will be activated and will sound for up to one minute. Both tests will take place during regular daytime business hours. 

Where: The automated telephone dialing system is in place for landline phones within 10 kilometres of the Darlington and Pickering Nuclear Generating Stations. This area includes portions of the Municipality of Clarington, City of Oshawa, Town of Whitby, Town of Ajax and City of Pickering. The telephone notification will appear as coming from 905-666-6291 on call display systems. 

The outdoor sirens are within three kilometres of the nuclear stations.

Why: Testing the nuclear public alerting system ensures it will work as designed in a real emergency. The tests also let people who live or work in the area become aware of and familiar with the alerts.

Note: This is only a test of the nuclear public alerting system. No action is required if you hear the sirens or receive the telephone notification.

The next test is scheduled for spring 2019. 

For more information, please visit durham.ca/demo, or contact the public alerting information line at 1-866-551-5373.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.