Preparedness - Duke Energy | Nuclear Information Center

Stop. Listen. Take action.

Caroline Fountain — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:24:00 GMT

Stop. Listen. Find out what’s going on. Take action if needed. If hearing a siren makes you do these things, the siren has done its job.

We hear it on police cars, ambulances and fire trucks. If you live within 10 miles of a Duke Energy-operated nuclear power plant, you also hear a test emergency siren four times a year. County emergency management organizations are responsible for testing the alarms once a quarter in coordination with Duke Energy. Depending on where you live, some emergency management organizations also use the sirens to alert people of other emergencies including tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding.

“I have heard the sirens, but I assumed all were for tornadoes and for testing that aspect of the system. We had tornado tests weekly in Arkansas,” said Bryan Montgomery, who lives in Charlotte near the Catawba Nuclear Station.

Additional testing

Maintenance tests, acoustical studies and siren upgrades – sirens do sound outside of the regularly scheduled Wednesday siren tests from time to time.

Where should you go to find out if an additional test is occuring in your area?

Check the Duke Energy Nuclear Education Facebook & Twitter pages or your closest plant’s nuclear emergency preparedness webpage.

Judy Dryer of Charlotte had a similar experience when she moved to the Carolinas. “To me it sounds like the typical type of siren I'd hear for a tornado when we lived in Kentucky.”

North and South Carolina are two of the fastest growing states in the country when it comes to new people moving to the area, according to this year’s United Van Lines 46th Annual National Movers Study. Some folks, like Montgomery, may not know what to expect when they hear an emergency siren.

“I am not sure what we are supposed to do when we hear the siren related to the power plant. Not sure how to distinguish whether it is for tornado or power plant,” said Montgomery.

Now it is easier than ever to find out what to do when you hear a siren. Here are a few things you can do right now:

Review the emergency preparedness information sent to your household each year from Duke Energy.

Sign up for emergency alerts with your local county emergency management or follow them on social media. When there is an emergency, your local emergency management officials will notify the public and direct you if public action is needed.
Save a list of your local emergency alert radio stations. These radio stations will broadcast an announcement in the case of an emergency. Click on the link for your corresponding nuclear plant. Scroll down to “Sirens and Emergency Broadcasts,” and the list is on the right side of the page. Put the list on your refrigerator or save it on your phone.

Brunswick Catawba Harris McGuire Oconee Robinson

For siren test reminders, text the name of your neighboring nuclear plant (i.e., Catawba) to 71729. This option is not for emergency alerts.

“When I hear the siren, I think about what day it is. I know the siren are tested on the second Wednesday of the month. If it's on the second Wednesday, then I assume they are just testing them. I also see it on Facebook Mom groups that I am part of. Usually someone will ask why the sirens are going off and another mom will reassure the person that the sirens are just being tested,” said Dryer.

Keep in mind – it's always a good practice to confirm information you hear from others using official resources like those provided by Duke Energy and your local emergency management organization.

Next time you hear an emergency siren, check if it’s a quarterly test date. For 2023, the four test dates are as follows:

Full-volume tests (5-30 seconds)

2023: Jan. 11, April 12, July 12

Full-volume test (3 minutes)

2023: Oct. 11

If you hear the emergency sirens on another date or hear several three-minute-long siren blasts, tune in to your local emergency alert radio stations and check your county emergency management alerts and social media channels. If there were ever a real emergency at the plant requiring the sirens to be sounded, local radio and television stations would broadcast information and instructions to the public.

You stopped. You’re listening. You know where to get information. You know what to do. The siren has done its job.

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Nuclear Notes: Outdoor Warning Sirens

Duke Energy — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:46:00 GMT

There’s nothing like a siren to get your attention. And that’s exactly why we have a network of more than 400 pole-mounted sirens in the 10-mile areas around our nuclear plants – to make sure residents and visitors in the area are alerted in the unlikely event of an emergency.

We’ve also employed new communication tools, including text notifications and interactive maps, so information is available at your fingertips. Visit Duke-Energy.com/NuclearEP and select your local nuclear plant to sign up for texts, find your emergency planning zone, and view upcoming siren test dates.

Watch this episode of Nuclear Notes and know what to do when you hear a nuclear siren.

This new series, Nuclear Notes, is designed to give you a clear picture of the importance of nuclear generation for a clean energy future.

Follow us on social media: Duke Energy Nuclear Education Facebook | Duke Energy Nuclear Education Twitter | Duke Energy Facebook | Duke Energy Twitter

Receive text messages: To keep teammates, customers and neighbors well-informed, we now offer text alerts. By signing up to receive nuclear information via text message, we’ll notify you of emergency preparedness information specific to your area, including siren test reminders. You’ll also receive messages about community activities hosted by the nuclear plant and any other important information to keep you in the know! This tool WILL NOT alert subscribers to emergencies.

Text <plant name> to 71729, using the name of any plant shown below that you would like to receive information for. (Options: Brunswick, Catawba, Harris, McGuire, Oconee, Robinson)

Message frequency depends on user. Message and data rates may apply. Terms & Privacy Policy: https://www.duke-energy.com/legal/mobile-terms.

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Preparedness is top of mind on and off the job

Mikayla Kreuzberger — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:30:00 GMT

Nuclear power plants are some of the safest, most secure facilities in the United States. The facilities themselves are incredibly robust, made to protect against even the most unlikely scenarios, including natural disasters.

Part of a nuclear power plant’s strength is its preparedness and planning. We expect our nuclear stations to operate safely, and we work hard to keep our plants – and our communities – safe. But it's wise to always be prepared.

It’s also a good idea for your family to prepare ahead of time for any emergency. Your family may not be together when an emergency strikes, so it’s important to discuss what you will do in different situations.

Ready.gov provides helpful resources to help you create a family emergency plan. Want to learn more about nuclear emergency preparedness? Visit duke-energy.com/NuclearEP.

Duke Energy nuclear emergency preparedness information
Brunswick Nuclear Plant	Catawba Nuclear Station	Harris Nuclear Plant
McGuire Nuclear Station	Oconee Nuclear Station	Robinson Nuclear Plant

Checklist information provided by ready.gov.

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An energy education: How to safely prepare for stormy weather

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 19:20:00 GMT

Even though weather and its impacts are unpredictable, you and your family can use these tips to ensure your home is safely prepared for the unknown.

Before a storm:

Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage.
Replace any broken, cracked or frayed electrical cords. Ensure damaged cords are thrown away. Extension cords should be rated for their intended use; never use an indoor extension cord outdoors. Remember, all electrical cords should be stored indoors when not in use.
Confirm electrical equipment is properly grounded.
Check your electrical outlets to ensure they don’t have exposed wiring, aren’t cracked or loose. Did you know that unusually warm switches or outlets may indicate unsafe wiring? Stop using the switches and call a licensed electrician.
Locate any necessary batteries or alternatives to meet your electrical needs if the power goes out. Grabbing extra batteries to go with flashlights for every household member is also a great idea.

During and immediately after a storm:

Never plug a generator directly into a household outlet.
Only operate a generator outside and connect appliances directly to it.
Do not wire your generator directly to your breaker fuse box, as it could back feed on power lines.
Keep electrical devices away from water.
Don’t assume a circuit is safe because it is powered off; instead, use an approved meter to check for voltage before touching any wiring or other electrical components.
If you see a downed power line, always stay back at least 20 feet and call 911.
Disconnect or turn off any nonessential electrical equipment that may start automatically when power is restored to avoid overloading circuits.
When using extension cords, ensure they are visible and not running across highly trafficked walking areas. If using an extension cord, prevent electric shock by ensuring it isn’t in water or snow. Extension cords are only intended for temporary wiring solutions.

After a storm:

As the weather returns to normal, ensure generators and extension cords are safely stored because they are not intended for use on a long-term, permanent basis.
Look for damage that may prevent your power from being restored.
Whenever considering repairing or updating your home’s electrical system, ensure to hire an experienced, qualified and licensed electrician.
Call 8-1-1 before digging underground to safely locate underground utilities.

Visit the Duke Energy Storm Center for more tools and resources to help you get started preparing for severe weather,

including suggestions for your emergency supply kit and how to sign up for email, phone and text alerts for updates and notifications.

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Do you need to know your emergency planning zone?

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:13:00 GMT

Editor's note: This article was originally published on July 25, 2018. It has been updated and republished.

Do you know what to do in the event of a nuclear plant emergency? While it’s important to be familiar with printed and online emergency planning information, in the unlikely event of an emergency at one of our nuclear plants, there are multiple ways neighbors would be informed about what to do.

Historically, local and state emergency management officials would provide instructions via local radio and TV stations and may even go door-to-door to talk with neighbors. In today’s tech-savvy world, however, new mobile-friendly webpages and apps make it even easier to access emergency planning information.

Just like our nuclear workers are always prepared for the unexpected, we want our plant neighbors to be prepared. With more and more people turning to websites and social media for information, it makes sense that emergency preparedness updates should be there too. Plant neighbors including residents, businesses, schools and others can now find information specific to their location on our enhanced, interactive webpage, duke-energy.com/NuclearEP.

On the page you’ll find information specific to each Duke Energy nuclear facility including emergency siren test dates. Maps have been updated to allow for a more interactive experience than ever before. Now you can use the “Locate your zone” search feature for information based on your address such as which emergency planning zone you live or work in, recommended evacuation routes and emergency shelter locations. You can even add the webpage to your phone’s home screen to easily find emergency planning information with the touch of a button.

In addition to the website, plant neighbors can follow Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet on Twitter – @DE_Nuclear – and Facebook – @DukeEnergyNuclear – for real-time emergency planning updates.Our state partners also have mobile-friendly tools to keep neighbors informed including Twitter alerts and emergency alerts from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and an emergency planning app from N.C. Department of Public Safety and North Carolina Emergency Management.

We want all our customers and plant neighbors to be able to rely on online tools but realize not everyone can or wants to consume information this way. And, sometimes, it’s just easier to see information in print. Because printed materials remain important to some neighbors, we’re committed to providing them.

Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet distributes printed emergency planning information to those living and working within 10 miles of each of our nuclear plants in accordance with federal regulations and industry guidelines. Emergency preparedness material is contained within one, easy-to-save booklet.

The information contained in these booklets is important and we want to make sure everyone is focused on the material. Even if you prefer to use the new webpage to find emergency planning information specific to your location – and we recommend you do – keep your booklet on hand as a backup source of information.

No matter how you prefer to find information – on the web, social media or in print – there’s an easy way to access the nuclear emergency information planning information you need.

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How much do you know about outdoor warning sirens?

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 14:38:00 GMT

If you live within 10 miles of our nuclear power plants, you may have heard outdoor sirens mentioned once or twice. But, do you know what hearing a siren means?

Plant neighbors have most likely heard the quarterly outdoor warning siren testing along with an occasional maintenance test. Some may have heard sirens for the first time while working from home this year as they are tested during normal business hours.

Soundings of the outdoor warning sirens are meant to alert the public of an emergency so community members can tune into local radio or television stations for additional information. Hearing a siren does not mean you should evacuate.

We always expect our nuclear stations to operate safely. Our operators are highly skilled, very experienced and continuously trained to keep our plants – and our communities – safe. However, it’s smart to be prepared.

Watch this video to learn more:

We keep neighbors informed by sharing emergency preparedness information in mailed booklets, on our Duke Energy website and on our Duke Energy Nuclear Education Facebook and Twitter pages.

Need to know if you live within 10 miles of our nuclear power plants (also known as the emergency planning zones or EPZs)? View the interactive map for the plant closest to you.

Want more information on emergency planning?

Emergency planning – Why it’s a top priority

The who’s who of nuclear emergency planning

Have questions about emergency sirens? We have answers.

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Emergency Planning - Why it's a top priority

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 16:17:00 GMT

Revised and reposted from June 2014

Note: Outdoor warning sirens will be tested on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 as part of regularly scheduled maintenance. No action is required by residents.

Emergency planning is a top priority in the nuclear industry. Being prepared for any event at a site ensures the safety of the public and nuclear employees. While most believe emergency planning and preparedness was born in 1979, it continues to evolve within the nuclear industry, and it is a collaborative effort between utilities, counties, states and federal agencies.

An important part of emergency preparedness in Duke Energy’s service area includes outdoor warning sirens, which are owned and installed by Duke Energy around its nuclear stations. They are pole-mounted safety sirens and extend out for a 10-mile radius in the communities surrounding the plants. The sirens are managed by the local county emergency preparedness division and can be sounded for any type of emergency where public action is needed such as a tornadoes, hurricanes or flooding.

In the unlikely event of an emergency at a nuclear plant, plant officials notify local emergency officials, including the county, and the outdoor warning sirens located in the 10-mile emergency planning zone (EPZ) can be activated to alert the public to the situation. The outdoor warning sirens sound for three-minute intervals if there is an emergency that could affect the public. If there were an emergency at a nuclear station, Duke Energy would notify county, state and federal officials who would make the decision regarding sounding the sirens and any public protective actions. The outdoor warning sirens are part of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). Hearing a siren does not mean individuals should evacuate. The siren warning system is to prompt individuals to go inside and listen to their local radio or television station for an emergency alert system message.

Outdoor warning sirens are activated from a radio-controlled system and are regularly tested to make sure they work properly. Residents within the 10-mile EPZ are provided information on siren test dates and times. There are several types of siren tests performed at different times – some weekly, monthly or quarterly. “Silent tests” confirm the radio feedback system receives a signal. A “low growl” test verifies proper operations as well as radio feedback signal receipt, and results in a momentary sound, or growl, of the siren. A full volume test results in the sirens sounding for several minutes. If sirens are heard and residents are not sure if it is a test of the system or an emergency, they should tune to a local radio station or television station. If there is an emergency, the stations will interrupt regular broadcasting to provide information to the public.

All nuclear facilities have multiple backup safety systems to ensure safe operations. Additionally, emergency exercises are conducted with plant personnel, state, county and federal agencies to ensure emergency plans are effective and participants are well trained.

Outdoor warning sirens provide another layer of protection that can be utilized to ensure public health and safety during any type of emergency at a nuclear site or in the community.

Click here to view Duke Energy Nuclear Emergency Preparedness information.

Click here to listen to a siren test.

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Nuclear workers are safety superheroes

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 16:19:00 GMT

Every day, we make thousands of decisions and many of these choices affect others.

The National Safety Council designates June as National Safety Month and thousands of organizations across the United States participate and celebrate safety achievements. This year, we want to appreciate our nuclear professionals for focusing on the little things each day, that make a big difference.

The nuclear energy industry is one of the safest and most secure in the country. Nuclear plants have multiple, redundant safety systems to protect the public and plant workers, who are well-trained and experienced.

We are proud of the actions our nuclear workers take every day to keep themselves, teammates, families and communities safe.

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How to prepare for storms like a nuclear worker

Tue, 21 May 2019 12:37:00 GMT

Winter storms. Hurricanes. In 2018 alone, the Carolinas experienced many damaging weather events. And, while we may not able to prevent extreme weather, we can prepare for its impacts.

That’s where our nuclear workers come in. They excel at preparing for the unexpected. By carefully creating and following procedures, they ensure our nuclear plants continue to provide reliable electricity during inclement weather, or temporarily shut down until safe conditions return.

With the official start of Atlantic hurricane season just around the corner, here are three ways you can prepare for a storm like a nuclear worker.

1. Secure outdoor items. Items that are not tied down can become airborne in high winds or carried away due to flooding. In the days leading up to the storm, our nuclear workers secure items that could blow away or become airborne.

At home, you can also place items like flower pots, patio furniture and outdoor grills in your garage or other secure location.

2. Check your emergency supplies. Our nuclear workers check emergency equipment, such as mobile pumps and backup generators, to make sure they are operating properly. They also ensure key supplies are stocked, including food and water on-site to sustain workers in the event they need to stay on-site for many days.

It’s important your family also has a well-stocked emergency kit to last for at least 72 hours. You can find a list of basic emergency kit supplies on Ready.gov. Don’t forget about special supplies your family may need, including pets.

3. Reach out to others. Our nuclear workers work with local and federal emergency preparedness stakeholders in the days leading up to the storm to ensure emergency plans are coordinated.

Similarly, it’s not only important that you are prepared, but that your neighbors and relatives are, too. Make sure your family knows your emergency plan and talk to your elderly neighbors or others who may need special assistance during a storm.

We always take safety seriously at our nuclear plants, not only during storms, but all day, every day. Learn more about how our nuclear workers prepare for emergencies on our website: www.duke-energy.com/NuclearEP.

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How drones improve nuclear plant safety and reliability

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 20:30:00 GMT

We use technology daily to make life easier and more efficient. We use it to order food or coffee, ask questions and get directions. And, at our nuclear plants, we are using indoor drones in a similar way.

Brunswick Nuclear Plant employee, William Kerr, training to fly indoor drones

Indoor drones provide a way for our nuclear workers to perform tasks more efficiently and safely. Whether employing drones for preventive maintenance or to examine hard to reach areas, the goal is to use this technology to make our nuclear plants even more reliable.

For example, Duke Energy nuclear workers are using indoor drones to perform inspections in confined spaces. Normally, at least two workers are sent into a confined space to perform an inspection. By deploying indoor drones, a trained pilot can use its high definition video and infrared camera to capture the necessary footage down to the very last bolt, and send it back to plant teammates for review. This allows the inspection to occur without requiring workers to enter difficult to navigate areas.

This is just one of the many ways we are using technology to enhance the way we work. Workers recently used an indoor drone at our Brunswick Nuclear Plant to perform equipment inspections. Using the indoor drones eliminated the need to build and remove four, 20-foot temporary scaffolds, allowing the Brunswick team to use scaffolding resources for other work.

Workers prepare an indoor drone for pilots training at Catawba Nuclear Station

Currently, we have 28 trained indoor drone pilots across our nuclear fleet and are looking for additional opportunities to use this technology.

We are actively encouraging our employees to think about how they do their jobs and how they can become more efficient in their work. Using drones is one many innovative projects we are implementing to provide additional value for our customers.

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Is it just a test? 3 places to look for siren information

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 12:51:00 GMT

Editor's Note: This story was updated Oct. 28, 2019.

All equipment needs to be maintained to continue to work properly – and outdoor warning sirens around our nuclear plants are no exception.

As part of maintenance, sirens are regularly tested. And, because tests are sometimes audible, they are a source of questions from neighbors, especially as people move into the communities around our plants.

It can be unsettling to hear one of these sirens if you’re not familiar with their purpose or how they work. So, if you hear a siren, how can you determine if it’s a test or an emergency? Follow these three steps.

1. First, check to see if it’s a scheduled siren test date. Sirens are tested weekly using a “silent test” that cannot be heard by the public. Once a quarter, however, we conduct a full volume test of the system, usually on the second Wednesday of the month.

You can find the exact dates on our nuclear emergency preparedness website and in your 2019-2020 emergency planning booklet, which was mailed to all plant neighbors.

2. Sometimes sirens around a plant require maintenance and are tested afterward to ensure they are working properly. If you hear a siren and it’s not a scheduled test day, check social media for updates. We will share updates through our nuclear Twitter and Facebook accounts. We will also share this information with local media and our emergency management partners, so you may see updates on their websites and social media accounts, too.

3. In the event of an actual emergency, we will provide regular updates through local and social media before sirens are activated. However, if you hear sirens repeatedly sounding and it does not appear to be a test, tune into a local radio or TV station. Stations will also carry emergency alert information messages from local officials to instruct you on what to do. You can find a list of primary emergency alert stations online and in your emergency planning booklet.

Still have a question? Ask us. Our nuclear and corporate social media accounts are great sources of information if you ever have a question about outdoor warning sirens or other emergency planning information.

You can also call your county or state emergency management office as we closely coordinate emergency planning activities with them. Many of our county and state partners also have mobile-friendly tools to keep neighbors informed. For example, South Carolina Emergency Management reaches out via Twitter alerts and emergency alerts, and North Carolina Emergency Management has an emergency planning app.

The bottom line? Our nuclear plants have a long history of safe operations, and outdoor warning sirens are one of many ways we are prepared to alert plant neighbors of an emergency, however unlikely.

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How our nuclear workers weathered Hurricane Florence

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 20:02:00 GMT

Above photo: Wilmington, N.C. waterfront Sept. 19, 2018

More than a week ago, Hurricane Florence made landfall, bringing strong winds and historic amounts of rainfall to North and South Carolina. And Brunswick Nuclear Plant in Southport, N.C. sat squarely in the path of the storm. Through preparation and teamwork, our nuclear workers overcame every obstacle Florence brought their way.

Knowing a hurricane is headed your way would make most people nervous, but extreme weather is something all nuclear plants prepare for. Following our procedures, operators systematically shut down both of Brunswick’s units prior to the storm making landfall.

Plant workers ensured equipment was secured, necessities were stocked and employees not directly involved in operating the plant at Brunswick were released.

Karen Williams was one of the employees who left before the storm hit. “Like many others, I packed up my few treasures and my dog, and evacuated my home in Southport to a friend’s,” said Williams.

Our nuclear workers were ready and their preparation paid off. The plant site never flooded as a result of the storm and Brunswick’s two units remained safely shutdown through adverse conditions. But more than 25 inches of rainfall delivered by Florence caused nearby roads to flood, making access to the plant difficult.

Florence left Southport streets with “downed tree limbs everywhere” and Wilmington streets with “mangled messes of trees wrapped in power lines, sometimes several blocks in a row,” Williams said. In the small community of Boiling Spring Lakes “the flooding has stranded people in their homes and made restoration of basic services extremely challenging.”

With about 300 workers remaining on-site during the hurricane, preparations were quickly made to ensure all workers had the resources they needed to eat, sleep and continue to maintain plant equipment, even after the storm had passed.

Teammates worked shoulder to shoulder unloading additional supplies of food and water brought in by helicopter. Others stepped up to become chefs and prepare food for their co-workers. Teams identified safe, alternative routes to access the site. Transportation by boat was even arranged so that new workers could take over while their teammates returned home and reconnected with loved ones.

The Southport community also rallied around our Brunswick teammates. After speaking with Duke Energy, the assistant manager of a local Walmart and her husband left their home to meet Brunswick Nuclear teammates at the store. Although the store was without power and much of the area was flooded, Walmart was able to provide provisions to our workers at the plant. “Each day it all gets a little better,” said Williams.

Brunswick was not the only plant whose community was impacted by Florence. Much of the community around Robinson Nuclear Plant in Hartsville, S.C. also suffered significant flooding, downed trees and property damage. Like the rest of our nuclear fleet, Robinson implemented procedures to prepare for the storm although powering down the reactor was not necessary.

Our nuclear plants coped with the severe weather conditions as expected, thanks to a dedicated team of highly-trained professionals. We know though, that many communities in the Carolinas are still recovering from this historic weather event and our thoughts are with those impacted by the storm.

Duke Energy employees from across the company have rallied around employees and community members affected by the hurricane. The company has delivered supplies – everything from flashlights to children’s coloring books – to Brunswick Nuclear Plant for employees and their families as they begin to recover from the storm. The Duke Energy Foundation is also matching employee contributions to eligible organizations such as the American Red Cross.

You can learn more about the recovery efforts in the Carolinas by following Duke Energy corporate communications teammates, who are providing an inside look at on-going restoration efforts in some of our hardest-hit areas.

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How we prepare for a hurricane at a nuclear plant

Thu, 17 May 2018 14:20:00 GMT

Preparation. This is a hallmark of how we operate nuclear plants. We always prepare, follow procedures, and in May, we pay close attention to our inclement weather plans as hurricane season is right around the corner. The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30.

In 2017, there were 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes and six major hurricanes making it one of the most active hurricane seasons on record. Nuclear plants from Texas to the Carolinas weathered those storms safely. As we prepare for what forecasters warn will be an active 2018 hurricane season, here are a few ways nuclear sites prepare for hurricanes:

In the days leading up to a storm, items that could potentially be blown away or become airborne are tied down.
Emergency equipment, such as generators and pumps, are checked to ensure full operability.
A visual inspection of the site is conducted to further ensure water and wind will not affect essential equipment.
Critical supplies are checked and stocked, including assuring there is enough food and water on site to sustain workers in the event they have to stay on-site for many days.
Nuclear sites reach out to local and federal emergency preparedness stakeholders in the days leading up to the storm to ensure understanding of the actions underway.

Nuclear plants are built to withstand natural disasters and many other emergencies, no matter how unlikely. There is a long history of withstanding storms, floods, blizzards, high winds, extreme cold and heat, and even a solar eclipse.

Nuclear energy generates carbon-free, life-essential electricity around-the-clock to power the lives of our communities. When a hurricane is forecasted, we are ready. If there is damage to the electrical grid, we are there to generate electricity to power hospitals and communities as soon as they can safely receive power again. Our preparation and design help us serve our communities, even if Alberto, Florence or Sara come to town.

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Emergency preparedness with you in mind

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 17:23:00 GMT

Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet prides itself on safely operating each nuclear facility to provide clean, reliable energy to power homes, businesses and communities for more than seven million people. In the highly unlikely event of an emergency at one of our nuclear plants, there are comprehensive plans in place to help ensure the health and safety of every individual whose life we touch, whether young or old, at home or school, in need of special assistance – or even four-legged.

Duke Energy partners with federal, state and local emergency management agencies in emergency preparedness planning. The following is a brief overview of how ensuring the safety of specific groups is a top priority in our emergency planning process.

All Plant Neighbors

All neighbors that live within 10 miles of a nuclear plant receive emergency planning information each year that explains what to do in the event of an emergency. Sirens are the primary outdoor warning system for alerting the public of an emergency. There is a network of pole-mounted sirens located within a 10-mile radius of each nuclear plant. Hearing a siren does not mean you should evacuate; rather, you should go inside and tune to a local radio or television station, which will stop regular programming to provide information from county and state emergency officials to the public. Keep in mind, if there was an emergency at the nuclear plant, it is unlikely everyone within this 10-mile emergency planning zone (EPZ) would be affected.

Neighbors with children

If your children attend schools within the 10-mile emergency planning zone, do not try to pick them up at their school during an emergency evacuation. Schools will follow their procedures to protect your children’s health and safety. If a relocation is ordered, all students attending school within the EPZ will be moved to designated relocation centers/schools. Your children will be cared for at the facility by school and county officials until you arrive.

Elderly neighbors and those with special needs

If you or a family member have a special need or situation, let someone know before an emergency. During an emergency, county emergency management officials will assist people who need transportation or who have special/functional needs – in other words, those needing any type of special assistance during an emergency. A Request for Special Assistance card is located in the emergency planning information that is sent to plant neighbors each year.

Neighbors with pets

Pet owners are responsible for the care and well-being of their pets. The best way to protect pets from exposure to radiation is to bring them inside as soon as possible. If evacuating with your pets, be aware that special arrangements may be needed to safely accommodate them. Counties may arrange alternate holding facilities for pets that may be away from human shelter sites. If you must leave pets at home, place them indoors with food and water.

Neighbors with livestock

Specific recommendations for the protection of farm animals and agricultural products will be issued by appropriate state and county officials in the event of an emergency. Farmers should be prepared to remove all dairy animals from pastures, shelter if possible and provide them with stored feed and protected water. Special information is published by the state to provide additional guidance concerning livestock, crops and gardens. You may download or request a copy by contacting your state or local Cooperative Extension office.

Be sure to visit our nuclear emergency preparedness website for much more on our nuclear fleet’s uncompromising commitment to your continued health and safety.

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The who’s who of nuclear emergency planning

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 18:48:00 GMT

With nearly a half century of experience operating nuclear power plants, Duke Energy knows about being prepared. But in an emergency, Duke Energy is not the only player. We routinely work with a network of local, state and federal agencies to ensure workers and the public remain safe in the unlikely event of an emergency at one of our nuclear plants. This includes maintaining emergency plans, participating in drills to practice working together and coordinating information – such as emergency planning calendars – that’s shared with plant neighbors.

With so many organizations involved in emergency planning though, it can be unclear who exactly is in charge of what. We’re breaking it down for you.

Duke Energy’s role

Duke Energy is responsible for the safe operation of our nuclear plants – a commitment we take seriously. Our first priority every day is ensuring the health and well-being of the public and our employees. Although nuclear plants are among the safest and most regulated facilities in the world, if an emergency were to occur, our focus would be on plant operations and emergency response.

Part of our response includes notifying federal, state and local authorities of the emergency and providing ongoing updates to these agencies and the public about the status of the plant. Using the information we provide on plant conditions, state and local agencies determine and direct public protective actions, such as sheltering and evacuations.

Local and state Emergency Management

Local and state emergency management officials are responsible for providing information on what public actions to take if there were an emergency. This includes:

Sounding pole-mounted sirens within 10 miles of the nuclear plant to alert people to tune into local television or radio

stations
Telling plant neighbors to stay inside, shelter-in-place, take potassium iodide or evacuate
Planning evacuation routes and coordinating evacuations with assistance from local law enforcement
Assisting people who need transportation or have other special needs during an emergency
Providing information about resources available during an emergency, such as accommodations

When decisions about public action, local and state emergency managers consider factors like road conditions, weather and special events that may be happening in the affected areas.

Other government agencies

In addition to emergency management, other state agencies may provide recommendations to the public. In particular, Cooperative Extension offices will guide protections for livestock and crops, while public health officials provide guidance for distributing and directing the use of potassium iodide (KI), if necessary.

The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also play a role in emergency planning both in setting guidelines for nuclear plant preparedness and in providing assistance to state and local agencies during an event.

Your role

As someone living near a nuclear power plant, it’s important that you’re aware of emergency planning procedures, even though it’s highly unlikely you’ll need to use them. Before an emergency, be sure you have the following:

Your emergency planning calendar or brochure from Duke Energy in an easy-to-find place. It contains all the

information you would need in the event of an emergency, including local contact information for the organizations discussed above. This information is also available at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/nuclear-safety.
An emergency kit ready in case of any type of emergency. Your kit should include a working emergency radio to hear instructions provided by local emergency management officials.
A completed and mailed Request for Special Assistance (located in your emergency planning calendar), if necessary.
An emergency plan, including a plan for your children and pet(s) that you’ve discussed with your family. Visit ready.gov for resources to help you create a family emergency plan.

If there were an emergency at the nuclear plant near you, make sure you know:

The guidelines for evacuation found in your emergency planning calendar
Which emergency planning zone you live and/or work in and possible exit routes
The reception/evacuation shelter for your zone(s), including the facility where your child/children would be evacuated during school hours

Successful emergency planning is a shared responsibility that takes careful preparation by a dedicated team. We appreciate the agencies that partner with us to ensure we have solid, well-practiced plans in place, plans which allow us to continue providing a beneficial resource for communities in the Carolinas – clean, reliable nuclear energy.

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How to make a big difference? Start with the little things

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 16:31:00 GMT

Work. Soccer practice. Grocery shopping. Dentist appointments. Life keeps us busy. With so much going on, it’s easy to lose sight of the little things. But, it only takes a minute to make a difference – to make the right decision or help someone in need.

Running a nuclear plant is no different. Our workers focus each day on making sure the details are right. They know that small decisions make a big difference for our customers and our communities. It’s the little things that keep our nuclear plants running safely and reliably every day – and that’s always our priority.

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

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 18:10:00 GMT

Do you have an emergency kit at home? Do you have a plan in place in case of a natural disaster? Just like you plan ahead, nuclear plants spend a lot of time preparing for a variety of situations.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, Duke Energy has 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.

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.
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.
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 calendar each December, which includes updated information on what to do in the event of an emergency.
Communication channels. If something were to happen at a nuclear plant, 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 and television.
Sirens. For those outside, sirens are used. Sirens do not mean evacuate. If you hear a loud, steady sound coming from one of the sirens around a nuclear plant, tune to a local radio or TV station for more information online.
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.
Children. Schools have emergency plans for students. In the unlikely event of a nuclear plant emergency, school officials would be contacted by county emergency management officials. If an evacuation were 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 in your emergency planning calendar or online.
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 in your emergency planning calendar.
Public actions. State and local governments have guidelines for protecting people from radiation. These guidelines call for conservative protective actions if radiation levels could become a concern, so please follow their instructions.
Evacuation routes. If there were 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 around nuclear plants are divided into zones to more accurately give directions to people during an emergency.

Knowing which zone you’re in will help you know what to do. Zones and related maps can be found in your emergency planning calendar and online in the information specific to your closest nuclear plant.

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 the ready.gov website.

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Is that a siren I hear? What do I do?

Duke Energy — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 09:21:00 GMT

Whether it is an ambulance siren wailing near the intersection you are about to enter, a siren from the fire truck that is passing you or a siren mounted on a pole near your home – you need to be prepared to respond when you hear it.

Since most people are less familiar with the pole-mounted sirens that are associated with nuclear power plants, below are questions and answers that you may find useful if you live in the 10-mile radius of a nuclear plant.

Why are there sirens near a nuclear power plant?

Since 1980, a federal law requires every utility that owns a nuclear power plant in the U.S. to have emergency sirens (in addition to an emergency response plan) as a condition of its license to operate the plant. The sirens must be located at distances related to the population within a 10-mile radius of the nuclear plant called the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ).

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates and monitors operation of all U.S. nuclear plants. While an accident at a nuclear plant is highly unlikely, it is possible. The potential danger to the public is the release of and exposure to radiation. There are many factors that affect the effect on the public, such as distance, weather conditions, wind direction and wind speed.

Alerting the public to potential emergencies at a nuclear plant is a priority. The sirens in the EPZ of a nuclear plant serve as an outdoor warning system. If an emergency at the plant requires sirens to be sounded, these sirens would sound repeatedly. If you hear a loud, steady sound coming from one of the sirens around the nuclear plant, tune to a local radio or television station for more information on what you might need to do.

What do these sirens sound like?

While there may be various siren sounds, take time to find out how the sirens for your nuclear station sound. Duke Energy schedules full volume siren tests on Wednesday mornings to minimize inconvenience to plant neighbors. The tests, which last up to three minutes, are conducted to make sure each of the numerous sirens works properly. Tests may be performed more than once to ensure each siren works properly.

Listen to a sample siren test.

If I hear one, what am I supposed to do?

Emergency warning sirens are simply an outdoor notification to alert you to listen to your local radio or television station to learn more on what, if anything, you should do. The sirens are tested regularly to ensure they work properly and also undergo preventive maintenance. Hearing a siren does not mean that you should evacuate the area. During siren tests, the public does not need to take any action.

How do I know when the siren test day is?

Duke Energy annually mails emergency information to every household in the EPZ of its nuclear plants. This brochure provides contact information and a link to our emergency preparedness website: duke-energy.com/NuclearEP. and includes important emergency planning information, as well as general information about radiation and how to prepare for a nuclear emergency. It also includes the dates for siren testing.

State and county officials and Duke Energy want you to be prepared and know what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency at one of the area nuclear plants. Please keep your annual brochure in a place where you can readily find it and consider bookmarking our website.

What if I hear a siren and it is not on the normal “test” day?

If you hear sirens and are not sure if it is a test or an emergency, tune to a local radio or television station listed in the calendar sent by Duke Energy. During an emergency, these stations stop regular programming to provide information to the public. The siren will sound repeatedly at three-minute intervals if there is an emergency. It is important to note that sirens may not necessarily be heard inside homes or businesses due to televisions or radios already playing. Contact your local county emergency management office if you have questions related to hearing a siren.

Who owns and maintains the sirens?

Duke Energy owns and maintains the sirens. They are regularly tested to make sure they work properly. There are several types of siren tests performed at different times – some weekly, monthly or quarterly. “Silent tests” confirm the radio feedback system receives a signal. A “low volume growl” test verifies proper operations as well as radio feedback signal receipt, and results in a momentary sound, or growl, of the siren.

Who activates the sirens?

Your county emergency management officials, in coordination with Duke Energy, determine public protective actions. This includes activation of emergency warning sirens.

How will I know there is an actual emergency?

Although highly unlikely, if there were an emergency at a nuclear plant, sirens are the primary outdoor warning system for alerting the public. Duke Energy would immediately notify federal, state and local authorities of plant conditions. If needed, these authorities could activate pole-mounted sirens located in the plant's EPZ.

Is there anything else I would need to do?

Some of your neighbors may need assistance in an emergency. Please check on them, ensure they are aware of the emergency and have emergency plans in place.

Are the sirens used for warning about anything else such as weather?

Sirens provide another layer of protection that can be utilized to ensure public health and safety during any type of emergency in the community or at a nuclear plant. County emergency management officials determine when to activate the sirens to keep the public safe.

For more information, visit our nuclear emergency preparedness website.

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Five Years Later: Nuclear Plants are Safer than Ever

Duke Energy — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 13:28:00 GMT

March 11 will always be an important date in history. The tragic events that unfolded that day across Japan, where thousands lost their lives, livelihoods and homes, and also affected the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, caught the attention of the world. Five years later, the nuclear industry has made significant changes to make nuclear energy safer than ever to produce.

A hallmark of the nuclear industry is sharing operating experience, specifically between different companies, to further increase safety and reliability. The response to the events at Fukushima were swift. Within days of watching these events in Japan, Duke Energy immediately took actions to re-verify that each of our nuclear plants was in a high state of readiness to respond to similar emergencies. Additionally, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted thorough inspections at all nuclear sites across the country, focusing on each plant’s ability to cope with flooding and a complete loss of off-site power, as happened at Fukushima Daiichi.

Within just a few months, the NRC Near-term Task Force developed a three-tiered program of safety enhancements that has become the foundation of post-Fukushima activities. At the end of the first year, the industry received orders to take specific actions and requests to provide additional information to help plan future work.

At Duke Energy, we organized our strategies, drafted our own specific plans, bought emergency equipment and laid the groundwork for plant changes. Since late 2012, we have implemented plans at our six nuclear sites and been heavily involved in supporting the industry initiative create two National Response Centers (SAFER) to stage emergency equipment that is ready to back up any operating U.S. nuclear unit.

Now, five years after Fukushima, nuclear plants are even more prepared to respond to events beyond their conservative designs. Visible evidence is seen in buildings that house a variety of emergency equipment. Each site has a flexible and diverse coping strategy in place that can be deployed as needed in an emergency. Even beyond today’s visible signs, other Fukushima response efforts will continue as plants and FLEX strategies are measured against contemporary flooding and seismic standards used to build new plants. Future lessons from this ongoing work will prepare us even better for extreme events like tornadoes, earthquakes and flooding.

The work following the Fukushima earthquake and tsunami is a sizable, ongoing commitment that has required an enormous effort. The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) reports the industry has “invested more than $4 billion and devoted thousands of person-hours to put in place new responses to extreme events.”

Japan shut down all of its 48 commercial nuclear reactors after the March 11 events. Disconnecting from nuclear power was difficult for Japan, which struggles with increased carbon dioxide emissions and increased electricity costs. In 2015, Japan took steps toward revitalizing its nuclear industry by allowing nuclear plants to begin operation again.

Germany is another country that decided to end its involvement in nuclear energy following the events of March 11. The country shut down eight of its nuclear plants, but similar to Japan, has faced rising electricity costs and increased carbon emissions. The average cost per kilowatt-hour in Germany is now 35 cents compared to an average of 12 cents in the U.S.

There is still a great deal of work to be completed in Japan to decommission Fukushima Daiichi, but nuclear plants are safer today and will continue to be even safer in the future as we learn from this experience and continue to share lessons learned across the industry.

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National Emergency Exercise Prepares Utilities and Other Responders for the Unlikely

Duke Energy — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:06:00 GMT

March 28, 1979, was a day that forever changed the nuclear power industry – the day of the Three Mile Island (TMI) accident in Pennsylvania. A combination of equipment malfunctions, design-related problems and human performance errors led to the event.

Many detailed evaluations and scientific studies of this event have occurred, and have concluded the approximately 2 million people around the plant during the event received an average of about one millirem* of radiation from the event – basically, the equivalent of adding an order of french fries to a daily diet. What did result, however, were sweeping changes to further protect public health and safety, such as upgrades and strengthening of nuclear plant design and equipment requirements, improvements in operator training and enhancements to emergency preparedness (EP) requirements.

Fast forward to 2015, when Duke Energy and other partners will participate in a large, multiday, graded emergency preparedness exercise involving Duke Energy’s Robinson Nuclear Plant.

While all nuclear plants are required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to perform a graded emergency preparedness exercise every two years, what makes this exercise unique is its enormous scope. The drill scenario will simulate response to a radiological release that goes beyond the plant boundary – into areas up to 50 miles from the plant, which includes portions of North Carolina and South Carolina. Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and South Carolina state and county officials will participate in response to this simulated event.

The exercise will last five days, the first three occurring July 21 – 23, and dates in September that will simulate what continued response would be months after such a radiological release. On July 21 and 22, Robinson Nuclear Plant will simulate its response to highly unlikely plant conditions. In addition, off-site activities will include field monitoring teams dispatched to take hypothetical samples, emergency responders going to local emergency preparedness agencies and joint press conferences with county, state and federal officials.

There are many benefits for agencies participating in a national exercise. Participation in the exercise not only helps improve our processes and procedures; it is good for the nuclear industry and emergency planning partners to demonstrate collaboration in ensuring public protection.

Events like Fukushima have taught us that we can never be too prepared, and our preparation must be ongoing and collaborative.

*Millirem – the unit of measure for radiation dose (like yards and miles are units of measure for distance).

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Preparedness - Duke Energy | Nuclear Information Center

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Five Years Later: Nuclear Plants are Safer than Ever

National Emergency Exercise Prepares Utilities and Other Responders for the Unlikely