Don't panic: Here's why you will be hearing sirens go off near Palo Verde for the next few days
TONOPAH, ARIZONA: Residents in West Valley need not be alarmed by the sound of sirens over the next few days.
The Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management has announced that "growl tests" will be carried out at the Palo Verde Generating Station, situated to the west of Buckeye. These tests are expected to conclude by December 22nd.
The testing procedure will involve the activation of the station's 70 emergency sirens for approximately 15 seconds.
"These tests are performed only during the day and have a low-pitched sound," county officials stated. "If you hear one of these tests, there is no need to call the plant," per 12 News.
Starting today, the Palo Verde Generating Station will be performing Growl Tests for the 70 Sirens around the Palo Verde Generating Station. A Growl Test is a short (approx 15 second) activation of a siren. Testing is expected to be completed by Dec. 22nd. https://t.co/V6dnXyZUdY pic.twitter.com/huZjPz5pLt
— Maricopa County Dept of Emergency Mgmt (@MaricopaReady) November 30, 2023
To which locations is the power from Palo Verde distributed?
The Palo Verde Generating Station, a nuclear power plant situated near Tonopah, Arizona, in the western part of the state, is approximately 45 miles (72 km) west of downtown Phoenix.
It reportedly holds the distinction of generating the highest amount of electricity annually in the United States and has the second-largest rated capacity.
The station, which generates roughly 32 million megawatt-hours each year, is a vital resource for the Southwest.
As of 2021, the Palo Verde Generating Station was recognized as the largest power plant in the United States in terms of net generation.
It produces an average electric power of about 3.3 gigawatts (GW), serving around four million people. Notably, Palo Verde is the only desert nuclear plant in the Western Hemisphere.
The power generated at this station is distributed to customers in Arizona, California, Texas, and New Mexico.
The siren system: What you need to know
The siren system is a component of the federally mandated "Alert and Notification System." The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) necessitate the testing of this siren system, per AEIN.
The Outdoor Warning Siren System, designed to alert the public in the event of an emergency, is strategically placed at various points within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (PDF).
When activated, these sirens emit a steady, high-pitched sound for an estimated duration of 3 minutes, according to Maricopa County.
In the event of a siren failure, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office will ensure public safety by issuing warnings via telephone, making door-to-door contact, or using loudspeakers installed on patrol or other vehicles as needed.