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A nuclear accident occurs when dangerous radioactive material is released into the atmosphere, typically as the result of an accident at a nuclear power plant. Although the construction and operation of these facilities are closely monitored and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accidents can happen.
The Hartford Capital Region lies within the 50-mile ingestion pathway zone of the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant located in Waterford. All residents of the Hartford area are potentially at risk from radioactive particles blown far from the power plant in a cloud called a ‘plume.’
The major hazards to people in the vicinity of the plume include radiation exposure to the body from the cloud and particles deposited on the ground, inhalation of radioactive materials, and ingestion of radioactive materials. The longer a person is exposed to radiation, the greater the effect. A high exposure to radiation can cause serious illness or death, and can contaminate wide swaths of land and the structures on that land.
Terms Used to Describe Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies
- Notification of Unusual Event: A problem has occurred at the plant, but no radiation leak is expected. Federal, state, and county officials will be notified right away. No action on your part is necessary.
- Alert: A problem has occurred at the plant, and small amounts of radiation could leak inside the plant. This will not affect you. No action on your part is necessary.
- Site Area Emergency: A more serious problem has occurred at the plant, and small amounts of radiation could leak from the plant. If necessary, state and local officials will act to ensure public safety. Area sirens may sound. Listen to local radio/television stations for information.
- General Emergency: A very serious problem has occurred at the plant, and radiation could leak outside the plant and off the plant site. Area sirens will sound. Listen to local radio/television stations for information. State and local officials will act to ensure public safety. Be prepared to follow instructions promptly.
Learn to protect yourself and your family. Download our Hazard Prep Checklists and take steps to be prepared before, during, and after a nuclear accident.
What Can I Do Before a Nuclear Accident?
- Learn the meanings of the terms used to describe nuclear power plant emergencies.
- Plan how you will safely evacuate if an evacuation is ordered. All members of your household should know where to go if they have to leave.
- Learn how to shelter-in-place.
- Register for CT Alert.
- Plan how you will communicate with your family, friends, and relatives if telephone or Internet systems are not functioning.
- Make a 72-hour emergency kit.
- Plan what you will do to protect or evacuate your pets and/or farm animals.
- Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe deposit box.
- Learn the specific emergency plans for a nuclear emergency that apply to the schools, day care centers, nursing facilities, offices, places of worship, and other places where members of your household spend time. Find out where people in these places would go in case of evacuation and how you would be notified of their whereabouts.
- Consider your transportation options in case you have to evacuate. If you do not own or drive a car, ask local emergency management officials about plans for people without private vehicles.
- Obtain public emergency information materials from the power company that operates your local nuclear power plant or your local emergency services office. If you live within 10 miles of the power plant, you should receive the materials from the power company or your state or local government annually.
Download printable PDF version of this checklist
What Should I Do During a Nuclear Accident?
- If a nuclear accident occurs and there is a risk that the radioactive material released could reach the Hartford area, state and local authorities will activate warning sirens and other methods of alert, such as CT Alert.
- If you receive an alert, tune your television or radio to the Emergency Alert System, and follow the instructions given. Your instructions may include directions for evacuating or for sheltering-in-place to reduce any possible exposure to radiation.
- If you are told to evacuate, keep the car windows and vents closed as you travel, and use the internal recirculating air feature within the vehicle.
- If you are advised to remain indoors, turn off the air conditioner, ventilation fans, furnace, and other air intakes.
- Shield yourself by placing heavy, dense material between you and the radiation source. Go to a basement or other underground area, if possible.
- Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep your pets with you and take them with you if you evacuate. You will not be allowed to return for them until local authorities say that it is safe to return. Shelter livestock and give them stored feed, if time permits.
- If you suspect you have come into contact with radioactive particles, you will need to decontaminate yourself. Decontamination from radiation is relatively simple because the material is carried on dust particles. You can eliminate 95 percent of radioactive materials by simply taking two actions:
- Taking a thorough shower (including a very thorough shampoo of your hair).
- Removing your clothing and shoes, sealing them in a plastic bag, and placing the bag outside the house.
- If pets may have come into contact with radioactive materials, shower with your pet if possible. If you shower first and then deal with your pet, you may re-contaminate yourself. Be sure to lather fur and rinse thoroughly. Afterward, keep direct control of your pet to control what it contacts.
Download printable PDF version of this checklist
What Should I Do After a Nuclear Accident?
- Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter (example: shelter 12345).
- Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms, such as skin burns or nausea, as soon as possible.
- Listen to local radio/television stations for the latest emergency information.
- If possible, check on and help any neighbors who may require special assistance. Infants, elderly people, and people with functional needs may require additional assistance. People who normally care for such individuals may be unable to reach them. Those who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
- Keep food in covered containers or in the refrigerator. Food not previously covered should be washed before being put into containers.
Download printable PDF version of this checklist
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BE AWARE