Nuclear Power Plant Safety

The following are guidelines for nuclear power plant safety:



Know Your Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a nuclear power plant emergency:

Notification of Unusual Event
A small problem has occurred at the plant. No radiation leak is expected. No action on your part will be necessary.

Alert
A small problem has occurred, and small amounts of radiation could leak inside the plant. This will not affect you and no action is required.

Site Area Emergency
Area sirens may be sounded. Listen to your radio or television for nuclear power plant safety information.

General Emergency
Radiation could leak outside the plant and off the plant site. The sirens will sound. Tune to your local radio or television station for reports. Be prepared to follow instructions promptly.

What to do before a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency

The following are guidelines for nuclear power plant safety:

Obtain public emergency information materials from the power company that operates your local nuclear power plant or your local emergency services office. If you live within 10 miles of the power plant, you should receive these materials yearly from the power company or your state or local government.

Minimizing Exposure to Radiation

Distance - The more distance between you and the source of the radiation, the better. This could be evacuation or remaining indoors to minimize exposure.

Shielding - The more heavy, dense material between you and the source of the radiation, the better.

Time - Most radioactivity loses its strength fairly quickly.

What to do during and after a Nuclear Power Plant Emergency

The following are guidelines for what you should do if a nuclear power plant emergency occurs.

• Keep a battery-powered radio with you at all times and listen to the radio for specific instructions.
  
  
• Close and lock doors and windows.

If you are told to evacuate:

• Keep car windows and vents closed; use re-circulating air.

If you are advised to remain indoors:

• Turn off the air conditioner, ventilation fans, furnace, and other air intakes.
  
  
• Go to a basement or other underground area, if possible.
  
  
• Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary.

If you expect you have been exposed to nuclear radiation:

• Change clothes and shoes.
  
  
• Put exposed clothing in a plastic bag.
  
  
• Seal the bag and place it out of the way.
  
  
• Take a thorough shower.

Keep food in covered containers or in the refrigerator. Food not previously covered should be washed before being put in to containers.

Seek medical treatment for any unusual symptoms, such as nausea, that may be related to radiation exposure.



For more information on recovering from a nuclear disaster

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