Upcoming Siren Testing

 Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) will conduct separate tests on each of the 70 early warning sirens near the Cook Nuclear Plant during the weeks of August 31, September 7 and September 14. The sirens are within a 10-mile radius of the plant and would be activated by the Berrien County Emergency Management Department to alert the public to emergency situations. This could include severe weather, industrial or transportation chemical spills or activation of the Cook Nuclear Plant emergency plan. 

Unlike the annual spring test where all sirens run simultaneously, this testing involves sounding each siren individually three to four times for about 30 seconds to obtain readings and make adjustments to ensure proper coverage and reliability. Annual preventive maintenance and battery checks will also be performed. 

Testing will be suspended during severe weather conditions to avoid confusion with an actual emergency. In the event of an actual emergency, early warning sirens are all sounded continuously for three minutes. 

Testing is expected to take place in various locations Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the three-week testing period. Testing will not take place on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. 

The regular first Saturday of the month test at 1:00 p.m. where all sirens are simultaneously sounded for approximately one minute will take place on September 5.