Eskom has advised residents living near the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station that its annual full-volume siren test will take place on Tuesday, between 10:00 and 12:00.
The power utility emphasised that the exercise forms part of routine safety procedures and that no action is required from members of the public when the sirens sound.
According to Eskom, each siren will operate for approximately 15 minutes during the testing period. The process will begin with a voice announcement confirming that a test is in progress, followed by the nuclear alarm, described as a slow rising tone.
In a statement. Eskom has noted that should maintenance be required, individual sirens may be re-tested on Wednesday and Thursday.
“The sirens form an integral component of the Koeberg Nuclear Emergency Plan and must always remain fully operational,” added the power utility
The public warning system, which includes both sirens and a public address system, is designed to alert residents and visitors in the unlikely event of an emergency at the facility.
Eskom said the system operates through a radio-based communication network linking control centres to individual sirens. Daily communication checks are conducted to ensure functionality, while any siren that fails to respond is repaired as soon as possible.
In addition to these checks, weekly silent tests are carried out to activate amplifiers and confirm that equipment remains operational.
“Once a year, as required by legislation, a full-volume test is conducted to confirm that the sirens are audible.”
Residents within a 16km radius are encouraged to assist by reporting any siren that appears unclear, malfunctioning, or visibly damaged during the test, should they notice any issues while in the area.
Eskom reiterated that the exercise is purely precautionary and forms part of ongoing public safety measures.
