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| # Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies                                     |
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| The construction and operation of nuclear power plants are closely    |
| monitored and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).   |
| Accidents at these plants are possible, however.                      |
|                                                                       |
| An accident could result in dangerous levels of radiation that could  |
| affect the health and safety of the public living near the nuclear    |
| power plant.                                                          |
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| Radioactive materials are composed of unstable atoms. These atoms     |
| give off excess energy until they become stable. The energy emitted   |
| is [radiation]{.underline}.                                           |
|                                                                       |
| Each of us is exposed daily to radiation from natural sources,        |
| including the sun and the Earth. Small traces of radiation are        |
| present in food and water. Radiation also is released from manmade    |
| sources, such as x-ray machines, television sets, and microwave       |
| ovens.                                                                |
|                                                                       |
| Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission in a |
| contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers         |
| generators to produce electricity.                                    |
|                                                                       |
| [Radiation has a cumulative effect]{.underline}. The longer a person  |
| is exposed to radiation, the greater the risk of adverse effects. A   |
| high exposure to radiation can cause serious illness or death.        |
|                                                                       |
| The [potential danger from an accident at a nuclear power plant is    |
| exposure to radiation]{.underline}. This exposure could come from the |
| release of radioactive material from the plant into the environment,  |
| usually characterized by a plume (cloud-like) formation of            |
| radioactive gases and particles.                                      |
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| The area affected by radioactive material release is determined by:   |
|                                                                       |
| -   The amount of radiation released from the plant.                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Wind direction and speed.                                         |
|                                                                       |
| -   Weather conditions.                                               |
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| # Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies (Continued)                         |
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| The major hazards to people in the vicinity of the plume:             |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Radiation exposure]{.underline} to the body from the cloud and   |
|     particles deposited on the ground.                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Inhalation]{.underline} of radioactive materials.                |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Ingestion]{.underline} of radioactive materials.                 |
|                                                                       |
| If an accident occurred involving a radioactive release at a nuclear  |
| power plant, local authorities would:                                 |
|                                                                       |
| -   Activate warning sirens or another approved alert method.         |
|                                                                       |
| -   Provide instructions through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on  |
|     local television radio stations.                                  |
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| Local and State governments, Federal agencies, and the electric       |
| utilities have emergency response plans in the event of a nuclear     |
| power plant emergency. The plans define two Emergency Planning Zones  |
| (EPZs):                                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   One EPZ covers an area within a [10-mile radius]{.underline} of   |
|     the plant where it is possible that [people could be harmed by    |
|     direct radiation exposure]{.underline}.                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   The other EPZ covers a broader area, usually up to a [50-mile     |
|     radius]{.underline} from the plant, where [radioactive materials  |
|     could contaminate water supplies, food crops, and                 |
|     livestock]{.underline}.                                           |
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| Exposure can be minimized by:                                         |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Time]{.underline}. Limit your time exposed to radioactive        |
|     material. Most radioactivity loses its strength fairly quickly.   |
|     In a nuclear power plant accident, local authorities will monitor |
|     any release of radiation and determine when the threat has        |
|     passed.                                                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Distance]{.underline}. The more distance between you and the     |
|     source of the radiation, the better. In a serious nuclear power   |
|     plant accident, local authorities will call for an evacuation to  |
|     increase the distance between you and the radiation. (Evacuation  |
|     also reduces the period of time of exposure.)                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Shielding]{.underline}. The more heavy, dense material between   |
|     you and the source of the radiation, the better. This is why      |
|     local authorities could advise you to remain indoors if an        |
|     accident occurs. In some cases, the walls in your home would be   |
|     sufficient shielding to protect you.                              |
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| # Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies (Continued)                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| It is important to know the terms that are used to describe nuclear   |
| emergencies:                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Notification of Unusual Event]{.underline}: A small problem has  |
|     occurred at the plant. No radiation material release is expected. |
|     Federal, State, and county officials will be told right away. No  |
|     action on your part will be necessary.                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Alert]{.underline}: A small problem has occurred, and small      |
|     amounts of radiation material could leak inside the plant. This   |
|     will not affect you, and you should not have to do anything.      |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Site Area Emergency]{.underline}: A more serious problem has     |
|     occurred, and small amounts of radiation material could leak from |
|     the plant. If necessary, State and county officials will act to   |
|     assure public safety. Area sirens may be sounded. Listen to your  |
|     radio or television for safety information.                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   [General Emergency]{.underline}: This is the most serious         |
|     problem. Radiation material could leak outside the plant and off  |
|     the plant site. The sirens will sound. Tune to your local radio   |
|     or television station for emergency information reports. State    |
|     and county officials will act to protect the public. Be prepared  |
|     to follow instructions promptly.                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| You should:                                                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Learn the community's warning system]{.underline}. Nuclear power |
|     plants are required to install sirens and other warning systems   |
|     (flashing warning lights) to cover a 10-mile area around the      |
|     plant.                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Find out when the warning systems are tested.                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   When the systems are tested in your area, determine whether you   |
|     can hear sirens or see flashing warning lights from your home.    |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   [Obtain emergency public information (EPI)]{.underline} from the  |
|     power company that operates the power plant or from the local     |
|     emergency services office. [If you live within 10 miles of the    |
|     plant, you should receive these materials annually from the power |
|     company or your State or local government]{.underline}.           |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Learn the emergency plans]{.underline} for schools, day care     |
|     centers, nursing homes, and other places that members of your     |
|     household frequent. Learn where people would go in case of        |
|     evacuation.                                                       |
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| # Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies (Continued)                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Citizens [should be prepared to evacuate]{.underline}.                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Key points during an emergency:                                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Listen to the warning]{.underline}. Not all incidents result in  |
|     the release of radiation. The incident could be contained inside  |
|     the plant and pose no danger to the public.                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Stay tuned to local radio or television]{.underline}. Local      |
|     authorities will provide specific information and instructions.   |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   The advice given will depend on the nature of the emergency, how  |
|     quickly it is evolving, and how much radiation, if any, is likely |
|     to be released.                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   Local instructions should take precedence over any advice given   |
|     on national broadcasts or in books.                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Review the public information materials that you received from    |
|     the power company or government officials.                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   [Evacuate, if you are advised to do so]{.underline}.              |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Close and lock doors and windows.                                 |
|                                                                       |
| -   Keep car windows and vents closed. Use recirculating air.         |
|                                                                       |
| -   Listen to the radio for evacuation routes and other instructions. |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   If you are not advised to evacuate, you may be advised to         |
|     [shelter in place]{.underline}.                                   |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Close doors and windows.                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Turn off the air-conditioner, ventilation fans, furnace, and      |
|     other air intakes.                                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   Go to a basement or other underground area if possible.           |
|                                                                       |
| -   Keep a battery-powered radio with you at all times.               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   [Shelter livestock and give them stored feed, if time             |
|     permits.]{.underline}                                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Do not use the telephone unless it is absolutely                 |
|     necessary]{.underline}. Lines will be needed for emergency calls. |
|                                                                       |
| -   [If you suspect exposure, shower thoroughly]{.underline}.         |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Change clothes and shoes.                                         |
|                                                                       |
| -   Put exposed clothing in a plastic bag.                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   Seal the bag, and place it out of the way.                        |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   [Put food in covered containers or in the                         |
|     refrigerator]{.underline}. Food not previously covered should be  |
|     washed before being put in containers.                            |
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+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies (Continued)                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Key points after an emergency:                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   If told to evacuate, [return home only when local authorities say |
|     that it safe]{.underline} to do so.                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   [If advised to stay in the home]{.underline}, remain inside until |
|     local authorities indicate that it is safe.                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Get medical treatment]{.underline} for any unusual symptoms,     |
|     such as the rapid onset of vomiting, that may be related to       |
|     radiation exposure.                                               |
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