April 27. McGuire Nuclear Station’s regularly scheduled quarterly siren test will take place at about 11:50 am Wednesday, April 8.

Realizing the 3-minute test could frighten an already tense community, Duke Energy spokesperson Christine Pulley told us she wanted to “draw greater attention to this particular siren test given the current unprecedented conditions.” Too true and we appreciate the thoughtfulness.

There are 67 sirens within 10 miles of the McGuire Nuclear Station. The test is performed in cooperation with emergency officials in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln and Catawba counties, who are responsible for sounding the sirens.