Durham Region to run annual nuclear alert system test June 2–3 in Clarington and Pickering areas

Durham Region will conduct its annual test of the nuclear public alerting system on June 2 and June 3, using auto-dialed phone calls to listed landline numbers within 10 kilometres of the nuclear generating stations in Clarington and Pickering and outdoor sirens within three kilometres of the stations.

The system is used to warn residents near the stations in the event of an emergency. The two-day test will take place during daytime hours and is intended to confirm that the alerting methods work as expected.

On June 2, an auto dialer will call listed landline phone numbers within 10 kilometres of the nuclear generating stations in Durham Region. The calls will appear as coming from 905-666-6291.

On June 3, outdoor sirens will sound for up to three minutes. Durham Region says the sirens are located within three kilometres of the stations and will be heard by people outdoors in that area.

Durham Region said the June 2–3 alert is only a test and no action is required if residents receive a phone call on June 2 or hear the sirens on June 3.

In a real emergency, Durham Region said residents who hear the sirens must go indoors and tune into trusted local media outlets or government channels for further instructions.

Durham Region has posted an alert map at durham.ca/AlertMap for residents who want to check how they would be notified. More information is available at durham.ca/NuclearPreparedness.