What to Do in the Event of a Nuclear Power Plant Accident

The 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) of radioactive gases and particles. The major hazards to people in the vicinity of the plume are radiation exposure to the body from the cloud and particles deposited on the ground, inhalation of radioactive materials, and ingestion of radioactive materials.

Before
Review your five steps on your Pathways to Preparedness.
During
Residents south of Malabar Road are in the 50-mile radius of the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant known as the Ingestion Pathway Zone. You may be advised to take actions to protect your family, pets, farm animals, and agricultural products.
After
  • Listen to public safety officials for information on when to return home.
  • Don’t eat food from the affected area.

Quick Facts

  • The St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant is the only nuclear power plant that could affect Brevard County. This plant is capable of producing 2,000 megawatts of electricity – enough to supply the annual power needs of more than one million homes.
  • The overall probability of a radiological incident from the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant remains very low.
  • Brevard County Emergency Management has a contingency plan, and conducts annual exercises with all response agencies and partners.
  • Brevard County would host and shelter evacuees from the 10-mile emergency planning area that surrounds the Plant, and would provide traffic control, security, and if needed, decontamination.
  • The towers seen from SR 528 between Brevard and Orlando are not part of a nuclear power plant.

Terms to Know

Unusual Event
No public action required. An unusual event is a minor incident, such as severe weather which may impact plant operations.
Alert
No public action required. An Alert is a minor incident which could possibly affect the safety of the plant’s reactor. There is the possibility of a small, limited release of radioactive material, but there is no danger to the public.
Site Area Emergency
You should tune into local radio, television, or social media for official announcements. A Site Area Emergency is a more serious incident, such as a major leak from the reactor coolant system, or an incident in which radioactive releases are possible, or are occurring but will not affect areas beyond the plant property.
General Emergency
You should tune into local radio, television, or social media for official announcements. A General Emergency means that radioactive releases that could affect the areas beyond the plant property are possible or are occurring and/or a major security event has occurred.

Information on Dealing with These Hazards