LEONARDTOWN, MD – A full-cycle test of the emergency alert and notification sirens will occur on Monday, December 2, 2024, at noon in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Dorchester counties. This includes a three-minute activation of all sirens within the 10-mile radius surrounding the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Lusby, Maryland.
The sirens are not a signal to evacuate but serve as a reminder to tune in to local Emergency Alert Broadcast television or radio stations for further information and instructions. The test is part of a semi-annual evaluation of the system, designed to ensure proper functionality and raise public awareness about the alert system’s purpose.
The sirens are managed by local emergency management authorities and activated as needed for public safety. “Testing these systems is a critical component of our emergency preparedness efforts,” officials stated, urging residents to take this opportunity to review their personal and family emergency plans.
What Residents Should Know
If the sirens are heard at times other than the scheduled test, residents should immediately tune in to a local Emergency Alert System (EAS) station for instructions. The following stations are part of the EAS network in Southern Maryland and surrounding areas:
- WKIK FM 102.9 MHz – California
- WPRS FM 104.1 MHz – La Plata
- WTOP FM 103.5 MHz – Washington, D.C.
- WMDM FM 97.7 MHz – Lexington Park
- WSMD FM 98.3 MHz – Mechanicsville
- WCEI FM 96.7 MHz – Easton
- WCEM FM 106.3 MHz – Cambridge
- Additional AM/FM stations are also available in nearby regions.
Importance of Preparedness
Located in Lusby, Maryland, the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center houses two nuclear reactors that provide carbon-free electricity for over 1.3 million homes. As a precaution, the emergency siren system ensures timely communication in case of emergencies related to the facility.
Preparedness is key, and residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the siren system and stay informed about emergency protocols. Knowing how to react during an actual alert can save critical time in an emergency.
Resources for Emergency Planning
For more details on the siren alert system and emergency preparedness, residents can visit:
- St. Mary’s County Emergency Services
- Calvert County Emergency Management
- Dorchester County Emergency Management
- Calvert County Siren Alert System
Officials stress the importance of relaying this information to friends, family, and neighbors to enhance community preparedness.
