Cape Town: Residents do not have to be alarmed by Koeberg siren tests

A full volume siren test of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Public Warning System will be conducted on Wednesday 5 March 2014 between 10:00 and 12:00. The sirens form part of the Koeberg Emergency Plan. The tests will be conducted in Atlantis, Duynefontein, Melkbosstrand, Van Riebeeckstrand, Philadelphia, Bloubergstrand, Bloubergrandt, West Beach, Sunningdale, Parklands, Robben Island and the farms surrounding the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

If necessary, individual sirens may be re-tested on Thursday 6 March and Friday 7 March for maintenance purposes. The City will also do the necessary testing from the Disaster Risk Management Centre in Goodwood as part of its mandate to ensure public protective actions in a case of a nuclear emergency arising from the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

Wilfred Solomons Johannes, the City of Cape Town’s acting head for the Disaster Operations Centre, said the tests are part of a routine inspection to ensure that all the sirens are in working condition. ‘Residents do not have; to panic this is only a test. We ask the community to ensure that their pets are indoors or are in an area where they cannot escape.

Due to the volume and the sound of the wailing test tone, dogs have been known to run away from their homes. Residents also need to switch off their radio and televisions in order to hear the Public Address announcements informing them about the test,’ said Solomons-Johannes.

The public can contact the Koeberg Stakeholder Management on 021 550 5227 for information or to report a faulty/damaged siren.

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Issued by: Integrated Strategic Communication and Branding Department, City of Cape Town