Industrial / Technological Emergencies

Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission in a contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers generators to produce electricity. Although the construction and operation of these facilities are closely monitored and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), incidents are possible. An incident could result in dangerous levels of radiation that could affect the health and safety of the public living near the nuclear power plant. Although the risk of an incident is slight, knowing how to react during an emergency can reduce the risk of injury. Delaware’s borders are within 50 miles of four nuclear power plant sites: Salem/Hope Creek, NJ; Calvert Cliffs, MD; Peachbottom, PA; and Limerick, PA.

During an Event

• If an accident at a nuclear power plant were to release radiation in your area, local authorities would activate warning sirens or another approved alert method. They also would instruct you through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio stations on how to protect yourself.
  • Local Delaware radio stations are available on our Stay Informed page.
• Follow directions of emergency management officials.
• Take cover immediately, as far below ground as possible. Close windows and doors, turn off air conditioners, heaters, or other ventilation systems. Stay where you are, watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet for official news as it becomes available.
• Remember three key ways to minimize your exposure to radiation: distance, shielding, and time.
  • Distance — The more distance between you and the source of the radiation, the better. Maximizing distance could mean evacuation or remaining indoors to minimize exposure. Follow instructions from emergency management officials.
  • Shielding — Having a thick shield of heavy, dense material between you and the source of the radiation will help reduce your exposure to the radiation.
  • Time — Most radioactivity loses its strength fairly quickly. Minimizing time spent exposed will also help reduce your risk.
• Keep food in covered containers or in the refrigerator. Food not previously covered should be washed before being put in to containers.
• If you expect you have been exposed to nuclear radiation:
  • Change clothes and shoes.
  • Put exposed clothing in a plastic bag.
  • Seal the bag and place it out of the way.
  • Take a thorough shower.
  • Seek medical attention as directed by emergency management officials.

During an Event (If Outside)

• Get inside a building right away
• Carefully remove your outer layer of clothing before entering the building, if you can. Radioactive material can settle on your clothing and your body, like dust or mud. Once inside, wash the parts of your body that were uncovered when you were outside. Then put on clean clothing, if you can. This will help limit your radiation exposure and keep radioactive material from spreading.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask, cloth, or towel if you must be outside and cannot get inside immediately.

• Take a shower or wipe exposed parts of your body with a damp cloth.
• Drink bottled water and eat food in sealed containers only.

Familiarize Yourself with the Terms

• Notification of Unusual Event: A small problem has occurred at the plant. No radiation leak is expected. No action on your part will be necessary.
• Alert: A small problem has occurred, and small amounts of radiation could leak inside the plant. This will not affect you and no action is required.
• Site Area Emergency: Area sirens may be sounded. Listen to your radio or television for safety information.
• General Emergency: Radiation could leak outside the plant and off the plant site. The sirens will sound. Tune to your local radio or television station for reports. Be prepared to follow instructions promptly.

Prepare Your Home

• Familiarize yourself with the warning and alert systems of your local community. Local Delaware radio stations are available on our Stay Informed page.
• Familiarize yourself with the Delaware Emergency Response Plan Areas (ERPAs).

Emergency Planning Zones – Salem / Hope Creek Nuclear Stations

The above map illustrates the emergency planning zones surrounding the Salem and Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations in Delaware and nearby areas.

The Emergency Response Planning Area’s (ERPAs) are used for emergency preparedness and response planning:

• ERPA A and ERPA B represent areas closest to the facilities where protective actions may be required first during an emergency. This includes: (for A) Port Penn, Odessa, East of Townsend, North Smyrna and South St. George’s Areas The area bounded to the west by Routes 13, 299 and 9; to the east by the Delaware River; to the north by the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal; to the south by Route 6. (B) Middletown, East of Townsend and North Smyrna Areas Woodland Beach Leipsic The area bounded to the west by the Norfolk Southern Railroad; to the east by Route 9; to the north by Route 299; to the south by Route 6 and Smyrna Landing Road.
• ERPA C represents surrounding communities that may be affected depending on conditions. This includes: Delaware City, North Middletown, St. George’s and Reybold Areas The area bounded to the north of Route 299 by Kirkwood St. George’s Road; to the east of the Norfolk Southern Railroad to Route 13; to the south of the Red Lion Creek and east of Route 9; to the south of the Norfolk Southern Railroad and east of Route 13 to the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal; to the south of Route 72 and east of McCoy Road to Route 13.
• ERPA D includes areas farther from the facilities that may receive notifications or guidance if needed. This includes: The Delaware River and Bay The area just north of Pea Patch Island, near Delaware City, south to Woodland Beach.

Major roadways are shown to support evacuation and response planning. Residents should follow instructions from local and state emergency management officials in the event of an incident.

For specific zone boundaries or evacuation guidance, residents should consult official emergency management resources or local authorities.

What is Potassium Iodide (KI)?

• Potassium iodide is a salt, similar to table salt. Its chemical symbol is KI. It is routinely added to table salt to make it “iodized.” KI is available in tablet form, over-the-counter, without a prescription.Potassium iodide, if taken in time and at the appropriate dosage, blocks the thyroid gland’s uptake of radioactive iodine and thus could reduce the risk of thyroid cancers and other diseases that might otherwise be caused by exposure to radioactive iodine that could be dispersed in a severe nuclear accident.
• Potassium iodide is a special kind of protective measure in that it offers very specialized protection. Potassium iodide protects the thyroid gland against internal uptake of radioiodines that may be released in the unlikely event of a nuclear reactor accident.
• The purpose of radiological emergency preparedness is to protect people from the effects of radiation exposure after an accident at a nuclear power plant. Evacuation is the most effective protective measure in the event of a radiological emergency because it protects the whole body (including the thyroid gland and other organs) from all radionuclides and all exposure pathways. Administering KI can be a reasonable, prudent, and inexpensive supplement to in-place sheltering and evacuation.

Who can take Potassium Iodide?

• Anyone who is not allergic to iodine can take KI. It is safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine, and children and infants, unless they are allergic to KI. If you are unsure if you should take KI, consult a health care provider.

It is important that you do not take KI unless you are instructed by public health or emergency response officials or a healthcare provider. KI can cause harmful health effects. KI is helpful only in specific situations for certain groups of people.

KI should be used only as directed.

• Do not use table salt or foods that contain iodine as a substitute for KI. They do not help prevent internal contamination, and eating large amounts could be harmful.
• Only use KI products that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dietary supplements that contain iodine may not work to protect the thyroid and can hurt you.

Make sure to stay informed with real time updates from emergencies managers and officials during a radiological event. Any updates will be posted to DEMA social media channels, State of Delaware News, or by verified news sources