CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Why are there siren tests at nuclear power stations?
Let's connect the dots.
Just like plants that burn coal and natural gas, nuclear plants produce electricity by boiling water to create steam, which turns a turbine to produce electricity. The difference is, nuclear plants create that heat by splitting atoms.
Nuclear power contributes about a fifth of the electricity generated in America. And here in the Charlotte area, the two nuclear power plants power a combined 3.4 million homes.
If something goes wrong, the plant can emit radiation. Small amounts of emissions are perfectly fine, but in extremely large doses, radiation can be harmful and even fatal.
Because of that, nuclear power plants have multiple safety systems in place to protect the plant and facility. That includes separate backup systems and sirens.
But if you hear a siren, it might not be a bad thing. Duke Energy runs quarterly full-volume siren tests that last between five and 30 seconds, including an annual 3-minute full-volume test. This is all to make sure everything's okay in case of an emergency.
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