Detailed Summary
The Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, operated by Duke Energy, conducts regular siren tests to ensure the safety of our community. Each year, residents living within a 10-mile radius receive important emergency planning information by mail. This includes emergency procedures and evacuation routes, which are crucial for your preparedness. If you haven’t received this information or need to review it, you can find it on Duke Energy’s website.
Duke Energy has scheduled siren tests throughout 2026, with tests occurring on the first Wednesday of January, April, July, and October. Most tests will last only a few seconds, except for the October test, which may last up to three minutes. It’s important to note that these tests are routine and do not indicate an emergency. If you hear a siren but do not see or hear an emergency message on local media, please contact Wake County Emergency Management for guidance.
For those living within five miles of the plant, Duke Energy provides Tone Alert Weather Radios, which are tested annually. If you need assistance with your radio or have recently moved into the area, you can reach out to the Emergency Preparedness Specialist at the Harris Nuclear Plant for support. Always remember that outdoor sirens are meant to alert those outside, so when indoors, rely on local broadcasts for emergency updates and follow all instructions from officials.
Harris Plant Siren Testing
The Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant is owned and operated by Duke Energy.
All public emergency notifications related to the plant are issued by Wake
County Emergency Management.
The Town of Apex shares the information below to help residents understand how
emergency alerts, sirens, and preparedness communications work.
How Residents are Notified
Each year, Duke Energy mails emergency planning information to residents who
live within a 10-mile radius of the plant. This information includes:
Outdoor siren testing
Duke Energy tests outdoor warning sirens throughout the year to ensure they
are working properly.
2026 Scheduled Siren Test Dates
- January 7 (5–30 seconds)
- April 1 (5–30 seconds)
- July 1 (5–30 seconds)
- October 7 (up to 3 minutes)
What To Expect
- Scheduled full-volume siren tests occur on Wednesday mornings to minimize inconvenience.
- Most tests last only a few seconds; the October test lasts up to three minutes.
- Additional individual siren tests may occur periodically throughout the year as part of routine maintenance.
If sirens are sounding and you do not see or hear an emergency message on
local radio or television, contact Wake County Emergency Management for
guidance.
All information provided by Duke Energy. Check their
website for more detailed information about the Harris Nuclear Plant.
For complete safety and communications information, visit the Shearon Harris
Nuclear Plant website.
NOTE: Beyond the schedule below, individual sirens are tested periodically
throughout the year.
Tone Alert Weather Radios
As part of the Emergency Preparedness Program, Duke Energy provides Tone Alert
Weather Radios to residents living within a five-mile radius of the plant.
Radios are tested annually.
If your radio is not working, contact the Harris Nuclear Plant Emergency
Preparedness Specialist:
Residents Who Recently Moved
-
New construction home: If you live within the five-mile radius and are a Town of Apex Electric customer, you will receive a radio within four months of moving in.
-
Previously owned home: If the previous owner did not leave a radio behind and you meet the eligibility criteria, contact the Emergency Preparedness Specialist using the information above.
Additional Emergency Information: Sirens and Emergency Broadcasts
How Outdoor Sirens Are Used
To alert people who are outdoors, county officials may sound warning sirens
located within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) around the Shearon
Harris Nuclear Power Plant.
- Sirens will sound repeatedly during an emergency.
- The sound is loud and steady to get attention—not to provide instructions.
- Hearing a siren does not mean you should evacuate.
- Siren testing does not indicate an emergency
- No public action is required during routine tests
If you hear a siren, tune to a local radio or television station immediately
for information.
Emergency Alert System (EAS) Messages
When sirens sound, local radio and television stations will broadcast an
Emergency Alert System (EAS) message from local officials.
These messages will:
- Explain what is happening
- Provide clear instructions on what actions, if any, residents should take
- Be updated as the situation changes
Always follow instructions from local officials and stay tuned for additional
updates.
Alerts for People Indoors
Outdoor sirens are designed to alert people outside and may not be heard
inside homes or businesses.
If you are indoors:
- Rely on local radio and television stations for emergency information
- Pay attention to official emergency alerts
- Follow all instructions provided by local authorities
Additional Emergency Notifications
During an emergency, fire, police, and rescue units may:
- Patrol affected areas
- Use vehicle sirens or loudspeakers to share information
Boaters in the area may also be alerted through marine sirens or loudspeaker
announcements.