BUCKEYE, Ariz. — Residents in the West Valley who hear emergency sirens on Dec. 4 shouldn't panic. The Palo Verde Generating Station is conducting a planned test in the area.

Maricopa County officials said the nuclear plant will test its warning sirens at noon and again at 12:30 p.m. for about three minutes each time. The sirens can be detected within a 10-mile radius of the plant, which is located west of Buckeye and south of Tonopah.

Federal regulations require siren systems to be tested periodically.

The county will also send out an opt-in wireless alert at about 12:15 p.m. for individuals within a 10-mile radius. Only phones that have opted in to receive test alerts will get the notification.

If an actual emergency occurred at Palo Verde, the sirens would be activated and residen

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