What do I do if I hear the sirens?

If an incident occurs at Palo Verde involving the actual or potential release of radiation into the atmosphere, the Outdoor Warning Siren System within the 10-mile area around the plant will sound for approximately three minutes with a steady, high pitched sound. If you hear the sirens, go indoors immediately and turn on your radio to KTAR (620 AM or 92.3 FM), KMVP (98.7 FM), or other local radio or television stations to hear instructions from government officials. If you hear a siren and do not hear an Emergency Alert System (EAS) message within 10 minutes, call 602-371-7171. A crew will be sent to repair the siren. From time to time you may hear a siren for 5 to 15 seconds. These are called "chirp" and "growl" tests respectively and are part of the siren maintenance program. These tests are performed only during the day and have a low-pitched sound. If you hear one of these tests, there is no need to call the plant. The Federal government requires a full activation of the system annually for testing. Residents within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone are notified in advance of this test date. They are also notified of any other maintenance when sirens may be sounded for extended periods of time.

10-Mile Emergency Planning Zone (PDF)

Show All Answers

1. How would I know if there was an emergency at Palo Verde?
2. What do I do if I hear the sirens?
3. I need assistance during an evacuation; what do I do?
4. What happens to my pets during an evacuation?
5. My child goes to school near Palo Verde, where can I pick them up in an emergency?
6. Where can I find more information about how the Palo Verde station works?
7. Where can I learn more about nuclear insurance?
8. Can a nuclear plant explode like a nuclear bomb?
9. ¿Cómo podría saber si hay una emergencia en Palo Verde?
10. ¿Qué hago si escucho las sirenas?
11. ¿Necesito asistencia durante una evacuación; ¿qué debo hacer?
12. ¿Qué ocurre con mis mascotas durante una evacuación?
13. ¿Mi hijo va a la escuela cerca de Palo Verde, dónde lo puedo recoger en caso de una emergencia?
14. ¿Dónde puedo encontrar más información sobre cómo funciona la estación de Palo Verde?
15. ¿Dónde puedo obtener más información sobre el seguro nuclear?
16. ¿Puede explotar una planta nuclear como una bomba nuclear?