Warning for an Emergency at the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR)

Public Warning Sirens

DOE has installed sirens in the two-mile areas around the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Sector X, and in Sector Y surrounding the Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12). Since there are no hazardous materials at ETTP that may require citizens to take protective actions, DOE has recently removed the sirens in the two-mile area (Sector K) surrounding the ETTP.

In the unlikely event that an emergency at the ORR requires offsite protective actions, warning sirens will sound within two miles of the affected site. A steady wailing sound will be heard for three to five minutes. If protective actions are required beyond the two-mile range of the sirens, citizens will be notified via EAS messages, social media, or local notification systems.

Upon hearing the sirens, immediately go indoors or into a vehicle and tune to one of the local radio or television Emergency Alert System (EAS) stations for specific instructions. If you are on a lake or river, travel away from the sound of the sirens and tune to a local EAS station for specific instructions.

-          For detailed instructions on how to take protective actions, click on the Protective Actions tab.  

Note: Public warning sirens are tested monthly, usually the first Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Emergency Alert System (EAS)

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a network of radio and television stations that provide emergency instructions to the public. EAS messages providing specific protective action instructions will also be sent over weather alert radios. The local EAS stations in the Oak Ridge/Knoxville area are listed below:

Social Media

During an emergency, TEMA will post real-time information about the emergency on the following social media sites:

TEMA Home Page: www.tn.gov/tema

Facebook: TNDisasterInfo

Twitter: @T_E_M_A

Local Notification Systems

The Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) in Anderson, Knox, Loudon, and Roane Counties, and City of Oak Ridge, maintain systems to allow timely warning of an emergency on your smartphone or digital device.

To sign-up for timely notifications in the jurisdiction where you live or work, contact your local EMA listed in the More Information page.