What to do if a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency is Reported If you live in the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) of a nuclear power plant, you will receive informational materials annually about what to do if there is a radiological emergency at the nuclear power plant near you. This information can be found in the phone book distributed near nuclear power plants. It is also available from your county emergency management website. These materials contain educational information on radiation, instructions for evacuation and sheltering, special arrangements for the handicapped, and contacts for additional information.
-> Read the material carefully.
-> Keep the information in a readily available location.
-> If you have questions, refer to the contact information on the materials.
During an emergency, public information will be provided using Emergency Alert System (EAS) Messages that are broadcast on radio and television stations and supplemented by media releases authorized by local and state government officials.
-> If you hear an emergency siren, tune into a radio station for an EAS message.
-> The EAS message will include information about the emergency, as well as detailed information about what actions you should take.
-> If advised to shelter-in-place, the EAS message will include detailed sheltering information.
-> If advised to evacuate, the EAS message will include detailed information about which areas should evacuate, the location of reception centers, and what to bring with you.
-> The EAS messages will contain other useful information, such as whether Health Officers have advised people to take potassium iodide (KI). (More information about KI can be found below and on the Potassium Iodide (KI) and the Useful Links sections of this web site.)
What to do if a Radiological Dispersal Device is Reported in Your Area Follow the directions of local public health, fire, and police officials. Information will be broadcast over the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on the TV and radio. The EAS broadcasts periodic public emergency messages. Depending on the type of incident and local conditions, authorities may direct you to evacuate or to stay indoors. It is important to follow the instructions of local authorities. For further information about Radiological Terrorism, RDDs, and what to do in the event of a radiation emergency see federal Centers for Disease Control website at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/dirtybombs.asp. The Useful Links section of this web page also will lead you to additional useful information.
What to do Before an Emergency is Reported – Pre-Emergency Preparation You can prepare yourself and your family the same way you would for other disasters. Make a disaster preparedness kit so you will be ready.
Additional Information For more information on what do in case of a radiological emergency, see the Centers for Disease Control website:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/