Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Public Warning System Testing in Cape Town

The annual full volume test of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Public Warning System, which includes sirens and a public address system, was performed between 10:00 and 12:00 on Tuesday 8 March 2023.
“The duration of the test is approximately fifteen minutes per siren and consists of a voice clip indicating that a test is being performed, and the sound of the nuclear alarm (slow rising tone),” said Eskom.
Koeberg’s warning system is installed in a 16-kilometre radius around the Nuclear Power Station - the Urgent Protective Action Zone (UPZ). The system is meant to warn residents in the event of an unlikely emergency at the station, said Eskom.
This short clip was taken by my daughter, who lives near one of the sirens. This is what a resident nearby would typically hear from their home.
More info at www.thesouthafrican.com/weste...

[@cincophone_]

You earned a sub! 😎

[@federalinvestigationbureau5814]

Cool siren

[@cincophone_]

Hi!

[@cincophone_]

Is this a Federal Signal Modulator 6024?

[@GadgeteerZA]

Yes, not sure of the exact model but it has the voice activation too:
Additionally, in Cape Town, South Africa, several Modulator sirens are installed which use their standard wail tone to alert citizens in the Melkbosstrand, Duynefontein, Blaauwberg, Table View, Robben Island, Atlantis, Philadelphia and Parklands areas in case of any emergency which can occur at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.] These Modulators are tested for about an hour annually on the first Wednesday of March during a so-called "Full Volume Siren Test" using a preset female voice (which reads "This is only a test; there is no need to take any action. This is only a test; there is no need to take any action. I repeat: this is only a test; there is no need to take any action. Listen to Good Hope FM or Kfm for further information") and live voice announcements (which are read by people and are often cite similar things said by the preset voice), other than the typical wail tone of the Modulator.

[@cincophone_]

​@@GadgeteerZAWhy a female voice instead of a male voice?

[@GadgeteerZA]

@@cincophone_ I'm not sure specifically here but generally female voices, with a slightly higher pitch than males, are more easily distinguished from background noise.

[@cincophone_]

@@GadgeteerZA Do they use a male voice?

[@GadgeteerZA]

@@cincophone_ No idea - this clip was just a short clip my daughter sent me. But I would not think they would use two different voices. Most announcement systems at all airports and trains I've been in are usually a single voice. Most of these locations also want fewer announcements and noise, so all efforts are about reducing duplication and repetition.