Author: Meredith Hemphill
There are three nuclear power plants in North Carolina, located in Brunswick, Mecklenburg and Wake Counties. A fourth plant near the NC-SC border, south of Charlotte, is close enough to be taken into our state’s emergency planning as well. Per federal mandate, nuclear plants and those counties within the ten-mile emergency planning zone (EPZ) and the state must have plans in place ready to implement protective actions within the EPZ if there is an emergency within the facility with the potential of a radiation release. Nuclear plants have many safeguards in place to prevent such events, but it is important to know what to do in the unlikely instance that a radiation release emergency occurs. That goes for both emergency managers and the general public.
Sirens and Emergency Alerts
Nuclear power plants are surrounded by sirens, mounted on poles throughout the EPZ. Should an emergency occur at a nuclear station, the control room staff would alert state and local emergency management authorities to activate the sirens. The sirens emit a loud, steady sound. You can hear a sample of a nuclear alert siren on the Duke Energy website.
If you hear the sirens, tune into a local radio or television station. During a true emergency, the Emergency Alert System will broadcast information and instructions through these media. If you can hear sirens but do not see or hear the EAS message on local stations, contact your local emergency management office.
Follow the instructions of local authorities as delivered through the EAS or any other means of communication such as wireless emergency alerts. Now is the time to put in place your family communication plan, as well, to make sure that everyone is safe and accounted for. Check in with your neighbors, too. Make certain that they are aware of the emergency, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing or have other special needs.
Sheltering in Place
You may be instructed to shelter in place during a nuclear emergency. If you are not instructed to evacuate, stay off the roads so that emergency personnel can get through. Instead, get inside, stay inside and stay tuned.
Get inside the nearest suitable building and head for the basement or the most interior location if there is no underground floor. Large buildings made of brick or concrete offer the best protection, but any walls are better than no walls. Underground parking garages also offer protection.
Close all windows, doors, and fireplace dampers. If possible, turn off any air conditioners or forced-air heating units that bring air in from the outside. If there is a release of radiation, radioactive particles will settle on the outside of the building. You want to keep them out.
Stay inside until authorities announce that it is safe to leave. Keep any pets inside with you. Food, drinks, and medications that were already inside are safe to consume. Public health authorities will need to test water supplies for safety, so don’t drink tap water until an all-clear is given. Boiling water does not get rid of radiation.
Stay tuned to multiple lines of communication from emergency management (e.g., radio, television, social media) for more information and further instructions. If you live in the EPZ, you should also follow the instructions on the Duke Energy Public Education brochures.
Evacuation and Emergency Shelters
If an evacuation is called for, emergency responders will announce safe evacuation routes and may tell evacuees to go to a Community Reception Center (CRC) or emergency shelter. Public transportation may be provided. It is important that you go to one of those facilities if instructed to do so, even if you do not plan to stay there. Authorities need to keep track of how many people have evacuated. Be sure to bring your emergency kit(s) with you when you evacuate.
CRCs check each person for radioactive contamination and, if necessary, provide decontamination. Some centers are equipped to decontaminate pets and service animals, as well. CRCs can also provide first aid and basic medical care. Everyone is registered and given any follow-up instructions for their medical care. If it is not safe to return home after processing, you may be sent on to an emergency shelter.
Each of the nuclear plants that are in or near our state have their own individual emergency plans and siren test schedules. You can visit Duke Energy for nuclear safety and check out the safety information for the EPZ nearest you.
Further Reading
• Nuclear Emergency Preparedness | NC DPS
• Radiation Emergencies | Ready.gov
• Radiation Emergencies | CDC
• Nuclear | Ready NC
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