News
Don't be alarmed
Sirens being installed in 'unlikely event' of an emergency, says Region
Thu Nov 15, 2007
By Jennifer Stone
CLARINGTON -- Installation of sirens to alert the public in the event of an emergency at Darlington Nuclear Generating Plant should be completed within the next several weeks, says Durham's director of Emergency Management.
There will be 14 sirens installed in Clarington, and four in Pickering , as a result of a new provincial mandate which states that the public alerting system must provide, within 15 minutes, warning to practically 100 per cent of the people "whether they be indoors or outdoors, and irrespective of the time of the year or day."
As of Tuesday, five of Clarington's sirens had been installed.
The sirens are being paid for by Ontario Power Generation, and will be owned by the Region. The Province, however, will make the call on whether they go off, said Ivan Ciuciura, Demo’s director.
Should they go off, residents are to go inside, and check with local media as to what they should do next?
The "loud, steady, high-pitched" siren "doesn't mean, 'there's a nuclear emergency, run away,'" said Mr. Ciuciura. "The siren is a warning (that means), 'there's been something happen, and find out what it is."
Above was recently reported in the local paper.
What options are there when the siren goes off?
You should review the Durham Emergency Management’s Office Nuclear plan through the following web page: http://www.ridedurham.org/departments/demo/nuclearbrochure.pdf
OPTIONS:
When the siren is heard you first should shelter in place whether you are at home, school, work or out shopping until you are receive instructions about your next steps. You need to leave the decisions up to the experts. Instructions will be given through your local TV or Radio station.
Shelter in Place: requires you to remain indoors, closing and locking all windows and exterior doors. Close all window coverings. Turn off fans, vents and heating or air conditioning vents and close fireplace dampers. Take you and your family members to an interior room with few or no windows, preferably in an above ground location. You should keep your emergency kit in this room in order to have access to it should you need to remain here for a while. Items needed for your emergency kit have been described earlier and should be tailor made to suit the needs of your family members. This room should be equipped with a phone, radio and TV. Access to a cell phone with a back up power supply would also be beneficial. Avoid using the phone unless it is an emergency as overuse of the service during an emergency may result in a busy signal.
If you are at work, ask all staff, customers to stay inside the building and close and lock all doors. Turn off and seal all mechanical systems. Guide all to inner rooms above ground but away from windows which have access to phone. Having an emergency kit placed close by in advance would be helpful. Listen to the media for further instructions.
If you are driving follow the instructions you will hear on your local radio station. You may have to pull off to the side of the road and turn off you engine and stay insider your car. If it is during the summer, drive under a shaded area. Have an emergency kit in your car. Having access to a cell phone would also be helpful. Please refer to the following web site for more information: www.ontario.ca/emo
Evacuation:
Evacuate only when instructed to by the local emergency officials through the local media or directly to homes and businesses by an automated phone system. Offer to assist your family members and neighbours who may need assistance. Prepare all members of your family including your pets to leave with their emergency survival kit.
Remain calm and follow the instructions you have received. Most households are notified by mail every few years regarding the site you should evacuate to.
More information can be found at the following web site:
http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/English/pub_security/emo/redpages/ENG_info.html
Information on where you should evacuate to for the Clarington Nuclear Emergency Plan can be found at the following web site:
http://www.clarington.net/htdocs/documents/Clarington%20Nuclear%20Plan.pdf
Host Reception Centres allow you to be monitored for radioactive contamination. Locations include Oshawa Civic Centre, Durham College,Sandord Fleming College, York University and Seneca College.
Host Evacuation Centres provide accommodation should you not be able to return home or have an alternate location to go to for awhile. Registration and Inquiry services are also provided. Locations include Seneca College, Durham College, Oshawa Civic Centre and Trent University.
KI Pills:
Potassium Iodide Pills are known to help prevent long-term thyroid cancer in the event of a radiation emergency. The Region of Durham stocks the pills and are available at outlets throughout the region, schools and Public Health. You will be notified by the media as to when to take them. Dosages are explained in the Clarington Plan.
Above all else when the siren goes off, please remain calm, do not evacuate until told to do so, listen to the media for further instructions and do not use the phone or call 911 unless it is a true emergency situation.
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