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News Release

Initial test of the public alerting siren system successful in the City of Pickering and the Municipality of Clarington

WHITBY, ON  June 27, 2008 - The initial test of the public alerting siren system, which took place today at 10 a.m., was successful. This test assessed activation and control equipment, the secure radio signal repeater, and the sirens themselves.

Today's test validated that the control equipment, radio communications, software programs, and the sirens themselves are all functioning, as designed. Four of the 18 sirens were offline due to yesterday's thunderstorm warnings, which caused the crew to cease completing the system setup.

"I am confident that all sirens will be up and running within the next few weeks," said Ivan Ciuciura, Director of Emergency Management. "Additional siren sound tests may be required, and the public will be notified prior to additional testing."

Eighteen sirens were recently installed and tested within the three-kilometre area around the Pickering and Darlington nuclear generating stations, as part of the outdoor component of the public alerting system. The system provides a means to warn residents and businesses in the highly unlikely event of a nuclear emergency, or other large-scale emergencies. This public alerting system was implemented in co-operation with the City of Pickering, the Municipality of Clarington, and Ontario Power Generation.

For further information, please contact the Public Alerting Information Line at 1-866-551-5373, or visit the Public Alerting Project from the home page of the Region's website at www.durham.ca.

Media Inquiries:
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF DURHAM:
Ivan Ciuciura - Director of Emergency Management 905-430-2792
Tania Laverty - Corporate Communications Officer 905-668-7711 ext. 3813