The next test of the nuclear public alerting system will be May 6 and 7. On May 6, an auto dialer will call landline phones within 10 kilometres of the Darlington and Pickering Nuclear Generating Stations. On May 7, the outdoor sirens will be tested and will sound for up to one minute. Cell phone, radio and TV alerts will be tested separately by the Province of Ontario on May 8.
If you live, work, play, or go to school within 10 kilometres of the nuclear stations in Clarington or Pickering, there are some things you should know about for your safety.
Public alerting
The public alerting system includes outdoor sirens and an automated telephone system. They work together to tell you when there is a nuclear emergency.
Public alerting sirens
Public alerting sirens will sound steadily during an emergency for at least three minutes. If you are outside and hear the sirens, you need to stop what you are doing and go inside to get more information. You will only hear the sirens if you are outside and within three kilometres of one of the nuclear plants. You can get information on the radio, television, and official websites and social media channels.
Automated telephone system
The automated telephone system sends a recorded message to landline phones in the 10-kilometre area around the nuclear stations.
Directions you may receive
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Shelter in place |
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If asked to shelter in place, you should go inside, close all windows and doors, and turn off your heating and air conditioning systems. Listen to the radio, watch the television, and look for information updates on official websites and social media channels. Be ready to leave in case you are told to. |
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Take KI pills |
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KI (potassium iodide) can help reduce how much radioactive iodide enters your thyroid. KI pills are delivered to households and businesses within the 10-kilometre area around the nuclear stations and are available to anyone who lives within 50 kilometres of the stations. KI pills are also pre-distributed to defined vulnerable populations and first responders. Visit our Nuclear Awareness page to learn more about KI pills. |
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Evacuate |
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For your safety, you may be asked to evacuate. If you have to evacuate, follow the instructions of emergency personnel. Information will also be on the local radio, television stations, and official websites and social media. Evacuating might mean you have to stay at an out-of-area relative's house, a friend's house, or a hotel. Going to a reception centreReception centres may be opened for people and vehicles who may need to be checked for radiation, washed (if needed) and registered, before going to an evacuation centre or another place to stay. Going to an evacuation centreEvacuation centres will be open for people who have to leave their homes, but don't have anywhere else to go. Remember to take your emergency kit(s) with you if you have to evacuate. |
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