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Y-12 public warning siren system being replaced, tested this month

September 7, 2012 By 3 Comments

The Y-12 Public Warning Siren System located around Oak Ridge is being replaced this month, and a new system will be tested, a press release said.

A private contractor was scheduled to begin replacing the electronic sirens on Tuesday, and work could be completed on Sept. 14. As part of the replacement project, Y-12 will test the system by sounding the new sirens at noon on Sept. 26, the release said.

The system alerts the public of site emergencies, and it provides coverage for an area that extends out two miles from the site.

It has included 22 electronic sirens, but Y‑12 initiated an engineering study that indicated that it could reduce the siren locations from 22 to 12 by implementing new mechanical devices that would cover the same area with increased reliability and efficiency.

The current sirens were installed in the late 1980s, the release said.

It said the Sept. 26 tests will ensure that the public, Y-12 employees, and the environment would be protected in the event of an actual emergency at the Y-12 National Security Complex.

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Filed Under: U.S. Department of Energy Tagged With: ,
  • http://www.facebook.com/daniel.powers.336 Daniel Powers

    I believe testing on a non standard day is not a good idea. Sure allot of people don’t pay allot of attention to the tests. However when I hear it, My first thought is, yup, it is the 1st Wednesday of the month and I believe others have similar thoughts. There will be people that are not informed of the change. (I just realized the alarm didn’t sound when they had the break in) Just wondering what kind of event it would take to set off the alarms for real.

    • http://www.facebook.com/johnhuotari John Huotari

      Daniel, I’m not sure what specific events will trigger the sirens, but I’ll see if I can find out.

      • http://www.facebook.com/daniel.powers.336 Daniel Powers

        I know I put a bit more in that post then I should have. I know a break
        in should not trigger a city wide alarm. I almost edited that out
        after I posted. I just thing is it strange that they want to test on a
        non standard day. The entire city expects a test on the first Wednesday
        of the month and allot will not expect it on the last Wednesday of the
        month.