Why are the sirens tested?
The sirens, which are tested four times each year—once in the spring, summer, fall and winter. The tests ensure that the sirens function as designed. The federal government requires all nuclear power plant operators to perform periodic testing of their emergency alert sirens.
During the past year, Entergy has installed a new system with features that inform the operator that the siren system is operating satisfactorily. The new system is remotely monitored and includes siren motion detectors and sound detectors as well as the system functionality indicators.
To hear what an Indian Point siren sounds like, *click
here (*requires
Windows
Media Player, 9 or above)How often are the sirens tested at full volume?
The sirens are tested at full-volume once annually as required by the federal government. Various newspaper notices and public service announcements are made well in advance, to notify members of the general public. Emergency Operations Center personnel from the counties are also notified so they can communicate the testing schedule to key community officials, stakeholders and local residents.
What is a short duration (10 sec) test?
Sirens wind up to full volume during this 10-second test and sound similar to a firehouse siren. The noise level within 100 ft. of the sirens is approximately 110 DB (decibels), which is equivalent to the noise from a jackhammer that is used by road repair crews or noise during a rock concert. Distance from the siren diminishes the sound level strength significantly.
Who is responsible to sound sirens in the event of an emergency?
Each county’s emergency management office or the county police at specific areas referred to as “Warning Point” will sound the sirens in case of an emergency at Indian Point. This is the signal for the public to tune in to their local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station. Each local government decides when to sound the sirens.
What happens if a siren doesn’t work when it is sounded?
In the unlikely event that a siren does not work, each county’s emergency workers are trained and prepared to alert the public by using police vehicles
Is the siren system the only way to notify the public of an emergency?
No, police officers can use public address system referred to as route alerting in their vehicles.
Who do I call to verify if the sirens being sounded are for a test or an emergency?
Call the Westchester County Emergency Management office at 1-800-942-1452.
Call the Rockland County Emergency Management office at 1-800-942-1450.
Call the Orange County Emergency Management office at 1-800-942-7136.
Call the Putnam County Emergency Management office at 1-800-942-1457.
What is the coverage area for a siren?
Siren locations were selected to provide sound levels exceeding 70 dB in areas where the population density exceeds 2000 people per square mile and 60 dB in other inhabited areas. The coverage area for more than 60 dB is between 6.4 and 8.2 square miles. The coverage area for more than 70 dB is between 2.5 and 3.9 square miles. These levels compare with normal conversation (60 dB) and somewhat less than a ringing telephone (80 dB). |