Nuclear Power

The worst U.S. nuclear disaster occurred at Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania, in 1979. We have nuclear reactors in eastern Washington at Hanford (currently inactive). The main potential danger from an accident at a nuclear power plant is exposure to radiation. This exposure could come from the release of radioactive material from the plant into the environment, usually characterized by a plume (cloud-like) formation. The area affected by the radioactive release is determined by the amount released from the plant, wind direction, wind speed, and weather conditions (i.e., rain, snow, etc.) that would quickly drive the radioactive material to the ground, hence causing increased deposition of radionuclides.

What Is Radiation?

Radiation is any form of energy propagated as rays, waves, or energetic particles that travel through the air or a material medium. Radioactive materials are composed of unstable atoms. An unstable atom gives off its excess energy as radiation until the atom becomes stable. The process by which an atom changes from an unstable state to a more stable state by emitting radiation is called radioactive decay or radioactivity. People receive some natural or background radiation exposure each day from the sun, radioactive elements in the soil and rocks, household appliances (like television sets and microwave ovens), and medical and dental x-rays. These levels of natural and background radiation are normal. The average American receives 360 millirems of radiation each year, 300 from natural sources and 60 from man-made activities. (A rem is a unit of radiation exposure.) Radioactive materials—if handled improperly—or radiation accidentally released into the environment, can be dangerous because of the harmful effects of certain types of radiation on the body. The longer a person is exposed to radiation and the closer the person is to the radiation, the greater the risk.

Nuclear Power Plant Emergency

Washington State has a plan that includes a plume emergency planning zone with a radius of 10 miles from the plant, and an ingestion planning zone within a radius of 50 miles from the plant. Some residents within the 10-mile emergency planning zone are regularly disseminated emergency information materials (via brochures, the phone book, calendars, utility bills, etc.). A General Emergency is declared when an event at the plant has caused a breach of safety systems. If such an event occurs, radiation could be released that would travel beyond the site boundary. The alert and notification system will be sounded. People in the affected areas could be advised to evacuate promptly or, in some situations, shelter in place. When the sirens are sounded, you should listen to your radio, television, and tone alert radios for site-specific information and instructions.

If You Are Alerted

Remember that hearing a siren or tone alert radio does not mean you should evacuate. It means you should promptly turn to an EAS station to determine whether it is only a test or an actual emergency.
Tune to your local radio or television station for information. The warning siren could mean a nuclear power plant emergency or the sirens could be used as a warning for tornado, fire, flood, chemical spill, etc.
Check on your neighbors.
Do not call 911. Special rumor control numbers and information will be provided to the public for a nuclear power plant emergency, either during the EAS message, in the utilities' public information brochure, or both.
In a nuclear power plant emergency, you may be advised to go indoors and, if so, to close all windows, doors, chimney dampers, other sources of outside air, and turn off forced air heating and cooling equipment, etc.

If You Are Advised to Evacuate the Area

Stay calm and do not rush.
Listen to emergency information.
Close and lock windows and doors.
Turn off air conditioning, vents, fans, and furnace.
Close fireplace dampers.
Take a few items with you. Gather personal items you and your family might need.
Keep car windows and air vents closed and listen to the radio.

If Advised to Remain at Home

Bring pets inside.
Close and lock windows and doors.
Turn off air conditioning, vents, fans and furnace.
Close fireplace dampers.
Go to the basement or other underground area.
Stay inside until authorities say it is safe.

When Coming In From Outdoors

Shower and change clothing and shoes.
Put items worn outdoors in a plastic bag and seal it.

Current Emergency Information