Nuclear plant testing sirens today

Jan. 7 – Duke Energy will conduct a routine test of the outdoor warning sirens surrounding the McGuire Nuclear Station today.

The test, part of regular maintenance to ensure the system is working properly, will take place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The sirens are expected to sound for sound for five to 30 seconds and follow-up testing after siren maintenance may be required after 1 p.m.

The 67 sirens within a 10-mile radius of the plant will be activated as part of the test, which is coordinated with Mecklenburg County emergency management officials. In the event of an actual emergency at the facility, local radio and television stations would broadcast information and instructions to the public.

Duke conducts four siren tests each year. Quarterly tests last between 5 and 30 seconds, while the annual test runs for about three minutes.