Harris Plant Siren Testing

The Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant is owned and operated by Duke Energy, and all public notifications originate from Wake County Emergency Management.

To keep the public informed, Duke Energy annually mails neighbors within a 10-mile radius emergency planning information and outlines evacuation routes  for those closest to the plant. Duke Energy Also tests sirens throughout the year to make sure each siren works properly. Listen to a sample siren test.

All information provided by Duke Energy. Check their website for more detailed information about the Harris Nuclear Plant.

NOTE: Beyond the schedule below, individual sirens are tested periodically throughout the year. 

2023 Siren Test Dates

  • January 11 (5-30 seconds)
  • April 12 (5-30 seconds)
  • July 12 (5-30 seconds)
  • October 11 (3 minutes)

Scheduled full-volume siren tests occur on Wednesday mornings to minimize inconvenience for plant neighbors. The tests, which last up to three minutes, are conducted to make sure each siren works properly.

If sirens are sounding, and you do not see or hear a message on radio or television, contact the Wake County Emergency Management office.

For complete safety and communications information, visit the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant.

Tone Alert Weather Radios

Radios are distributed by Duke Energy to residents within a five-mile radius (see map) of Harris Nuclear Plant, as a part of the Emergency Preparedness Program. Radios are tested annually. 

  • If your radio is not working, please call the Harris Nuclear Plant Emergency Preparedness Specialist at (919) 362-2229.
  • If you have recently moved to a new construction home, are within the 5-mile radius, and are a Town of Apex Electric customer, you will receive a radio within four months after you move in.  
  • If you have recently moved to a previously owned home, are a Town of Apex Electric customer, are within the 5-mile radius and the previous homeowner did not leave behind the Tone Alert Radio, please call the Harris Nuclear Plant Emergency Preparedness Specialist at (919) 362-2229.

Additional Emergency Information regarding Sirens and Emergency Broadcasts

To alert people outdoors, county officials will sound sirens located within the 10-mile area Emergency Planning Zones (EPZ) around the station. Sirens will sound repeatedly in an emergency. If you hear a loud, steady sound coming from one of the sirens around the nuclear station, tune to a local radio or TV station. These stations will carry an emergency alert information (EAS) message from local officials to give you information and instructions on what to do. Hearing a siren does not mean you should evacuate. It simply means to tune to a local radio or television station for information. 

To alert people indoors, radio, and television stations will carry emergency information messages from local officials. Follow their instructions. Stay tuned. Remember, outdoor sirens will not necessarily be heard inside homes or businesses.

In an emergency, fire, police, and rescue units may also patrol the affected area and sound their sirens, if necessary. Boaters would also be alerted via sirens, loudspeakers, etc. Please note: Sirens are tested regularly to ensure they are working correctly. The testing is part of normal maintenance and no public action is necessary.