Calvert County Emergency Management is set to conduct a vital test of its emergency alert and notification system sirens on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 12:00 PM noon. This full-system test will last approximately three minutes and cover a 10-mile radius around the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Lusby, Maryland.
The test is designed to ensure the alert system functions correctly in the event of a real emergency and to boost public awareness of how alerts are communicated. Residents within the affected area will hear a steady siren sound during the test. It is important to understand that this is only a scheduled test and does not signal any real danger.
Why Is This Test Important?
Emergency sirens play a critical role in public safety, especially in areas near potentially hazardous sites such as nuclear power plants. The Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, located in Lusby, is a key site where timely warnings can save lives. Sirens alert residents to evacuate or seek shelter during emergencies.
Regular testing of these sirens is mandated by safety protocols to ensure they are operational and effective. It also helps emergency management officials identify and fix any technical problems ahead of a real crisis.
What Should Residents Expect During the Test?
On June 2, starting precisely at noon, all sirens within a 10-mile radius of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant will sound continuously for about three minutes. The sirens emit a steady tone, which is the standard alert for an emergency requiring immediate action.
Since this is only a test, residents should not panic or call emergency services upon hearing the sirens. However, it’s essential to take note of the sirens and understand what they mean, so you are prepared in case of a real emergency.
What To Do If You Hear Sirens Outside of Testing Hours?
If residents hear the sirens at any other time, it should be taken seriously as it may indicate an actual emergency. In such a case, individuals are urged to immediately tune into local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio stations for official instructions.
The following radio stations are recommended for accurate and timely updates during emergencies in Calvert County and surrounding areas:
- WKIK FM 102.9 MHz – California, MD
- WPRS FM 104.1 MHz – La Plata, MD
- WTOP FM 103.5 MHz – Frederick and Washington, D.C.
- WMDM FM 97.7 MHz – Lexington Park, MD
- WPTX AM 1690 kHz – Lexington Park, MD
- WSMD FM 98.3 MHz – Mechanicsville, MD
- WRAR FM 105.5 MHz – Tappahannock, VA
- WNNT FM 107.5 MHz – Warsaw, VA
- WCEI FM 96.7 MHz – Easton, MD
- WKHZ AM 1460 kHz – Easton, MD
- WGOP AM 540 kHz – Pocomoke, MD
- WCEM FM 106.3 MHz – Cambridge, MD
- WCEM AM 1240 kHz – Cambridge, MD
Residents are encouraged to have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio available during emergencies in case of power outages.
How Can Residents Prepare for Emergency Alerts?
Besides understanding siren signals, Calvert County residents can take several steps to stay prepared:
- Sign up for emergency notifications: Calvert County offers a local alert and notification system that delivers messages via phone calls, texts, and emails. Signing up ensures you get timely information directly on your devices. Visit the Calvert County Alert Notification System page for more details.
- Stay informed: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and emergency plans specific to your neighborhood. Knowing where to go during an emergency can save critical time.
- Build an emergency kit: Prepare basic supplies such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and important documents for at least 72 hours.
- Discuss with family and neighbors: Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do when sirens sound. Sharing information with neighbors can also build a more prepared community.
Importance of Community Awareness
Public awareness about emergency sirens and the alert system is crucial for ensuring safety. When residents recognize the siren signals and respond appropriately, it significantly reduces confusion and risk during a real emergency.
Calvert County Emergency Management encourages residents to spread the word about this upcoming test. Informing friends, family, and neighbors will help ensure everyone knows the sirens are only being tested and what to do when they hear them.
