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Nuclear Power Plant
Emergencies
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Display Visual
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Nuclear Power Plants . . .
Operate in most States
and produce about 20 percent of the Nation’s power. Nearly 3 million
Americans live within 10 miles of an operating nuclear power plant.
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Explain that 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.
Point out that 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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Nuclear Power Plant
Emergencies (Continued)
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Display Visual
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What Is Radiation?
Radioactive materials are
composed of unstable atoms. Unstable atoms give off excess energy until
they become stable. The energy emitted is radiation.
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Explain that radioactive materials are composed of unstable atoms. These
atoms give off excess energy until they become stable. The energy emitted
is radiation.
Point out that 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.
Continue by explaining that 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.
Stress that radiation has a cumulative effect. 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.
Emphasize that the potential danger from an accident at a nuclear power
plant is exposure to radiation. 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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Nuclear Power Plant
Emergencies (Continued)
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Point out that the area affected by radioactive material release is
determined by:
§
The amount of radiation released from the plant.
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Wind direction and speed.
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Weather conditions.
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Display Visual
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Hazards
Major hazards to people in the vicinity of the plume:
§
Radiation exposure to the body from the cloud and particles deposited
on the ground.
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Inhalation of radioactive materials.
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Ingestion of radioactive materials.
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Describe the major hazards to people in the vicinity of the plume:
§
Radiation exposure to the body from the cloud and particles deposited on
the ground.
§
Inhalation
of radioactive materials.
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Ingestion
of radioactive materials.
Emphasize that if an accident occurred involving a radioactive material
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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Nuclear Power Plant
Emergencies (Continued)
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Display Visual
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Emergency Planning Zones
§
Within a 10-mile radius, people could be harmed by direct radiation
exposure.
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Within a 50-mile radius, radioactive materials could contaminate
water supplies, food crops, livestock.
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Tell
the group that 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).
Explain the EPZs to the participants:
§
One EPZ covers an area within a 10-mile radius of the plant
where it is possible that people could be harmed by direct radiation
exposure.
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The other EPZ covers a broader area, usually up to a 50-mile
radius from the plant, where radioactive materials could contaminate
water supplies, food crops, and livestock.
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Nuclear Power Plant
Emergencies (Continued)
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Ask Question
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What
are the three ways to minimize radiation exposure? |
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Allow the group time to respond. Then, use the visual to discuss the ways
to minimize radiation exposure.
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Display Visual
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Minimizing Radiation Exposure
§
Time
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Distance
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Shielding
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Tell
the participants that exposure can be minimized by:
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Time.
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.
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Distance.
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.)
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Shielding.
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)
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Ask Question
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How
can you prepare for a nuclear power plant emergency? |
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Allow the group time to respond. Then, display the visual.
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Display Visual
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Nuclear Emergency
Terms
§
Notification of Unusual Event
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Alert
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Site Area Emergency
§
General Emergency
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Emphasize the importance of knowing the terms that are used to describe
nuclear emergencies:
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Notification of Unusual Event: 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.
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Alert:
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.
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Site Area Emergency: 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.
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General Emergency: 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.
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Nuclear Power Plant
Emergencies (Continued)
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Ask Question
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What
are additional awareness measures that you can take? |
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Allow the group time to respond. Then, display the visual.
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Display Visual
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Awareness Measures
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Learn community’s warning system.
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Obtain emergency public information.
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Learn emergency plans.
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Stress that the participants should:
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Learn the community’s warning system.
Nuclear power plants are required to install sirens and other warning
systems (flashing warning lights) to cover a 10-mile area around the plant.
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Find out when the warning systems are tested. |
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When the systems are tested in your area, determine whether you can hear
sirens or see flashing warning lights from your home. |
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Obtain emergency public information (EPI)
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.
§
Learn the emergency plans 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)
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Emphasize that citizens should be prepared to evacuate.
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Ask Question
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What
should you do during a nuclear power plant emergency? |
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Allow the group time to respond. Summarize the discussion using the
information from the visuals below.
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Display Visual
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During a Nuclear Power Plant
Emergency
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Listen to warnings.
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Stay tuned to local radio or television.
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Evacuate, if advised to do so.
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If not advised to evacuate, you may be advised to shelter in place.
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Be
sure to make the following points:
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Listen to the warning. Not all incidents result in the release of radiation.
The incident could be contained inside the plant and pose no danger to the
public.
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Stay tuned to local radio or television.
Local authorities will provide specific information and instructions.
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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. |
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Local instructions should take precedence over any advice given on
national broadcasts or in books. |
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Review the public information materials that you received from the power
company or government officials. |
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Nuclear Power Plant
Emergencies (Continued)
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§
Evacuate, if you are advised to do so.
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Close and lock doors and windows. |
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Keep car windows and vents closed. Use recirculating air. |
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Listen to the radio for evacuation routes and other instructions. |
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If you are not advised to evacuate, shelter in place.
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Close doors and windows. |
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Turn off the air-conditioner, ventilation fans, furnace, and other air
intakes. |
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Go to a basement or other underground area if possible. |
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Keep a battery-powered radio with you at all times. |
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Display Visual
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During a Nuclear Power Plant
Emergency
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Shelter and feed livestock, if time permits.
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Do not use the telephone.
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If you suspect exposure, shower thoroughly.
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Cover or refrigerate food.
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Continue with the following points:
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Shelter livestock and give them stored feed,
if time permits.
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Do not use the telephone unless it is absolutely necessary.
Lines will be needed for emergency calls.
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If you suspect exposure, shower thoroughly.
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Change clothes and shoes. |
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Put exposed clothing in a plastic bag. |
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Seal the bag, and place it out of the way. |
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Nuclear Power Plant
Emergencies (Continued)
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§
Put food in covered containers or in the refrigerator.
Food not previously covered should be washed before being put in containers.
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Ask Question
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What
should you do after a nuclear power plant emergency? |
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Allow the group time to respond. Summarize the discussion using the
information from the visuals below.
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Display Visual
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After a Nuclear Power Plant
Emergency
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Return home only when advised by authorities.
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If at home, remain inside until advised.
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Get medical treatment, if needed.
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Emphasize the following points:
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If told to evacuate, return home only when local authorities say
that it safe to do so.
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If advised to stay in the home, remain inside until local authorities indicate
that it is safe.
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Get medical treatment for any unusual symptoms, such as the rapid onset of
vomiting, that may be related to radiation exposure.
Ask
the participants if anyone has additional questions, comments, or concerns
about nuclear power plant emergencies.
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