Residents within 10 miles of Duke Energy’s Catawba Nuclear Station and McGuire Nuclear Station can expect to hear emergency sirens today, as routine testing takes place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Officials from Duke Energy confirmed that all 89 outdoor warning sirens in the area will sound for periods lasting between five and 30 seconds. Some sirens may activate more than once during the test window.
Authorities emphasized that no public action is required, and the testing is strictly part of normal maintenance to ensure sirens operate properly in the event of a real emergency.
The sirens are an important part of the area’s emergency alert system. However, hearing a siren does not mean residents should evacuate. If unsure whether the alert is part of a drill or an actual emergency, residents are urged to tune into local radio or television stations. These stations would interrupt normal programming to provide real-time instructions in the event of a true emergency.
To stay informed, residents can also use the “Know Your Zone” feature in the South Carolina Emergency Manager mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The tool helps identify individual emergency zones based on location.
What to Do During a Real Emergency
In an actual emergency, residents may be directed to either shelter in place or stay inside based on the situation.
Shelter-in-place guidelines include:
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Close all windows and doors.
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Turn off HVAC systems and close air intakes.
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Move to an interior room with few or no windows.
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Bring pets inside and use stored food and water.
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Use text messaging to communicate and conserve battery power.
Emergency officials stress that staying calm and following instructions is key during any event. For up-to-date guidance, residents should listen to emergency alert stations or check local news outlets.
