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79
Nuclear Power
tion exposure. The second zone covers
a broader area, usually up to a 50-mile
radius from the plant, where radioactive
Understanding radiation
Radioactive materials are composed of
atoms that are unstable. An unstable atom
gives off its excess energy until it becomes
stable. The energy emitted is radiation.
N
uclear power plants operate in
Radiation has a cumulative effect. The
most states in the country and
longer a person is exposed to radiation,
produce about 20 percent of the
the greater the risk. A high exposure to
nation’s power. Nearly three million Amer-
radiation can cause serious illness or
icans live within 10 miles of an operating
death. The potential danger from an acci-
nuclear power plant.
dent at a nuclear power plant is exposure
Although the construction and operation to radiation. This exposure could come
of these facilities are closely monitored and from the release of radioactive mate-
regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Com- rial from the plant into the environment,
mission (NRC), accidents at these plants usually characterized by a plume (cloud-
are possible. An accident could result in like) formation of radioactive gases and
dangerous levels of radiation that could particles. The area the radioactive release
affect the health and safety of the public may affect is determined by the amount
living near the nuclear power plant. released from the plant, wind direction
and speed, and weather conditions. The
Local and state governments, federal major hazards to people in the vicinity of
agencies and the electric utilities have the plume are radiation exposure to the
emergency response plans in the event of body from the cloud and particles depos-
a nuclear power plant incident. The plans ited on the ground, inhalation of radioac-
define two “emergency planning zones.” tive materials, and ingestion of radioactive
One covers an area within a ten-mile ra- materials.
dius of the plant where it is possible that
people could be harmed by direct radia- If an accident at a nuclear power plant
were to release radiation in your area,
local authorities would activate warning will be told right away. No action
sirens or another approved alerting meth- on your part will be necessary.
od. They would also instruct you through • Alert—A small problem has oc-
the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on local curred, and small amounts of ra-
television and radio stations on how to diation could leak inside the plant.
protect yourself. This will not affect you. You should
The three ways to minimize radiation ex- not have to do anything.
posure are: distance, shielding and time: • Site Area Emergency—A more
• Distance. The more distance between serious problem. Small amounts of
you and the source of the radiation the radiation could leak from the plant.
better. In a serious nuclear power plant If necessary, state and county offi-
accident, local authorities will call for cials will act to assure public safety.
an evacuation to increase Area sirens may be sounded. Listen
the distance between you to your radio or television for
and the radiation. safety information.
materials yearly from the power com- • Review the public information mate-
pany or your state or local government. rials you received from the power
company or government officials.
4. Learn the emergency plans for schools,
day care centers, nursing homes and 3. Evacuate if you are advised to do so.
other places where members of your • Close and lock doors and windows.
household frequent. Learn where
people would go in case of evacuation. • Keep car windows and vents closed;
Stay tuned to your local radio and tele- use re-circulating air.
vision stations. • Listen to radio for evacuation routes
and other instructions.
5. Be prepared to evacuate.
• See the “Evacuation” chapter for
• Prepare an emergency evacuation important details.
supply kit (see the “Emergency Plan-
ning and Disaster Sup- 4. If you are not advised to
plies” chapter). evacuate, remain indoors.
Learn your
• Consider your trans- • Close doors and windows.
portation options. If
community’s
warning system • Turn off the air conditioner,
you do not own or drive ventilation fans, furnace and
a car, ask your local and the emergency
other air intakes.
emergency manager plans for schools,
about plans for people day care centers, • Go to a basement or other
underground area if possible.
without private ve- nursing homes
hicles. (See the “Evac- and other places • Keep a battery-powered
uation” chapter for your household radio with you at all times.
important details.)
frequents. 5. Shelter livestock and give
them stored feed, if time
What to do during a permits.
nuclear power plant emergency 6. Do not use the telephone unless abso-
lutely necessary. Lines will be needed
1. Listen to the warning. Not all incidents for emergency calls.
result in the release of radiation. The
incident could be contained inside the 7. If you suspect exposure, take a thor-
plant and pose no danger to the public. ough shower.