Region of Durham testing Public Alerting System

Whitby, Ontario – Residents and businesses are advised that the Region of Durham will be conducting its annual spring testing of the Public Alerting System within the 10-kilometre area around the Darlington and Pickering Nuclear Generating stations.

When: Testing is scheduled to take place during regular daytime business hours on May 11 for indoor notification (automated emergency telephone dialing system), and on May 12 for outdoor siren activation. The outdoor sirens will sound for up to one minute.

Where:The Public Alerting System is in place for the 10-kilometre area around the Darlington and Pickering Nuclear Generating stations.

Why: 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 emergency telephone dialing system for indoor notification within the 10-kilometre area. Households and businesses with a land line in this area, which includes the City of Oshawa and towns of Ajax and Whitby, will receive the indoor notification.

Testing of the Public Alerting System satisfies provincial requirements. It helps to ensure operation of the system, while increasing public awareness.

Note: Individuals near the Darlington or Pickering Nuclear Generating stations, who hear sirens or receive the indoor notification, are not required to take any action. This is only a test of the Public Alerting System.

The next testing is scheduled to occur in fall 2017.

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.