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 9 for indoor notification (automated emergency telephone dialing system), and on May 10 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. This area includes portions of the Municipality of Clarington, City of Oshawa, Town of Whitby, Town of Ajax and City of Pickering.

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 will receive the indoor notification. The indoor notification will appear as coming from 905-666-6291 on call display systems.

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 Station, 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 2018.

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.