Be prepared: 10 things nuclear plant neighbors should know about emergency planning

In honor of National Preparedness Month, we’ve compiled a list of important reminders and tips to help ensure our neighbors are prepared in the unlikely event of an emergency at one of our nuclear energy facilities.

1. Plant preparation. Nuclear energy facilities are prepared for emergencies. They have multiple, diverse safety systems in place to protect the public. In the unlikely event of an emergency, states, counties and Duke Energy have closely coordinated plans for handling a variety of situations, which they practice multiple times each year at every plant.

2. Radiation basics. Radiation is a natural part of our environment. We receive radiation from the sun, minerals in the earth, the food we eat and building materials in our houses. Even our bodies give off small amounts of radiation. While exposure to extremely large amounts of radiation can be harmful, the amount of radiation given off in the normal operation of a nuclear station is very small – smaller, in fact, than the amount a person would receive on a coast-to-coast airplane trip.
3. Local information. If you live within 10 miles of a nuclear plant, Duke Energy provides area-specific emergency planning information you can use. All nuclear plant neighbors should receive an emergency planning postcard annually, which provides updated information on what you should do in the unlikely event of an emergency.

4. Communication channels. If something was to happen at a nuclear plant, Duke Energy and local emergency management agencies have several ways to alert you. For people indoors, state and county officials will provide information to the public via radio, television and social media.

5. Sirens. For those outside, sirens are used. Sirens do not mean to evacuate, though. If you hear a loud, steady sound coming from one of the sirens around the nuclear plant, tune to a local radio or TV station, or use your preferred social media channels, for more information. If media outlets are not reporting a nuclear emergency, check Duke Energy’s social media sites or Emergency Preparedness website. Sirens around each nuclear plant are tested regularly throughout the year to ensure they are functioning properly. Sometimes these are audible tests and sometimes they are silent tests. You can find audible siren test dates online or listed on your emergency planning postcard.
6. Children. Schools in the area around Duke Energy nuclear stations have emergency plans for students. In an emergency, school officials would be contacted by county emergency management officials. If an evacuation was ordered, all children attending school inside the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone would be moved to the pick-up point or reception center for their school. You can find the zone for your children’s school as well as pick-up information online.
7. Pets. Be sure to include animals in your family emergency plan. Pets left at home should be placed indoors with food and water. If evacuating with your pet(s), it is important to check with your county emergency management office. Counties may arrange alternate holding facilities for pets that may be away from human shelter sites.

     North Carolina and South Carolina provide additional resources for pet owners.

8. Special assistance. If you have a special need or situation, let someone know before an emergency. County emergency management offices assist people without transportation or with special needs. You can find more information about this process on your emergency planning postcard.

9. Public actions. State and local governments have guidelines about when people should be protected from radiation. These guidelines call for protective actions at levels far below those that can make you sick. If radiation levels at or above those guidelines are expected, state and local officials will provide guidance to protect the public, so please follow their instructions.

10. Evacuation routes. If there was an emergency at your local nuclear plant, it is unlikely everyone around the plant would be affected, depending on the weather and nature of the emergency. Areas in a 10-mile radius of a nuclear plant are divided into zones to more easily and accurately provide directions to neighbors during an emergency. Knowing which zone you’re in will help you know what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency. Zones and related maps can be found online (select the name of the nuclear plant closest to you to open the “Know Your Zone” section). 

While this list is specific to nuclear emergencies, many of these items apply to other emergency situations, as well. For additional guidance on preparing for any emergency, visit Duke Energy’s Emergency Preparedness website.