From Harford County government:
The Harford County Department of Emergency Services, in conjunction with Exelon Power, is notifying residents near the Peach Bottom nuclear power facility of upcoming testing of a new siren system. The testing is being conducted in accordance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements for new siren systems.
Exelon has installed a new state-of-the art siren system within Peach Bottom’s 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). The 97 new outdoor warning sirens incorporate a battery powered backup system and an upgraded communication system that enable full functionality in the event of an electrical power outage.
The test will involve a full volume three minute sounding of the sirens. The test will occur on the following dates and times:
– Wednesday, July 17, 2013 1:00 p.m.
– Wednesday, July 24, 2013 1:00 p.m.
– Wednesday, July 31, 2013 1:00 p.m.
– Tuesday, August 6, 2013 8:00 a.m.
The Tuesday, August 6 test will involve multiple full volume three-minutes soundings which will commence at 8:00 a.m. and occur every 1.5 hours for up to six soundings throughout the day. In the event of inclement weather the August 6 tests will occur on Thursday, August 8 at the same time.
The warning sirens are one of several methods used by county emergency management agencies to provide citizens with notification of emergencies. Individual counties may activate the sirens to warn the surrounding community of any emergency condition.
Residents should contact their respective county Emergency Management Agency at the following numbers should they have any concerns regarding the sirens:
– Lancaster County – (800) 808-5236
– Cecil County – (410) 996-5350
– Harford County – (410) 638-4900
– York County (800) 762-8218
– Chester County (610) 344-5000
The sirens are not a signal to evacuate! Please note that the sirens are an outdoor waning system but may be heard indoors. In an actual emergency, residents should tune to the Emergency Alert System radio or television stations for further information.
“The test of the Peach Bottom area emergency alert sirens are not only required by FEMA, but are necessary to ensure their proper operation in the event of a true emergency”, said Harford County Emergency Manager Richard Ayers. “We want to remind citizens of Harford County, especially those near the Pennsylvania border, the scheduled tests are being done in the interest of public safety and will take little time to complete”, Ayers remarked.
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