If you live within a radius of approximately 10 miles from a nuclear power plant, you will receive materials annually regarding the unlikely event of a nuclear power plant radiological emergency. Read the materials carefully and store them in a readily available location. NRC and other emergency management organizations work together to keep the public informed about such an unlikely event.

On this page:

Emergency Information Materials for the Public
Alert and Notification System
Learn About Obtaining Potassium Iodide

Emergency Information Materials for the Public

Residents within a radius of approximately 10 miles from a nuclear power plant receive emergency information materials annually. This information is commonly distributed via phone books, calendars, brochures, utility bills, and so forth. These materials contain educational information on radiation, instructions for evacuation and sheltering, special arrangements for the handicapped, and contacts for additional information. If you, or someone you know, would need assistance during an emergency, contact your local emergency management agency. Become familiar with this information and store it where you can easily retrieve it if needed.

Alert and Notification System

A prompt Alert and Notification System (ANS) is in place to notify the public within a 10 mile radius of a nuclear power plant. This system will be activated within approximately 15 minutes of a decision by the responsible local or State government agencies of a need to take protective actions. This system typically uses sirens, tone-alert radios, route alerting (the "Paul Revere" method), or a combination of these methods. If you receive an alert, tune your radio or television to an Emergency Alert System (EAS) station identified in your emergency information materials. The EAS stations will provide information and emergency instructions for you to follow. Citizens living near a nuclear power plant receive emergency information annually on how they will be notified of a problem at a facility and what actions to take.

Learn About Obtaining Potassium Iodide

You can learn about obtaining potassium iodine, which reduces the absorption of radioactive iodide, by contacting your State or local government’s emergency organization (see FEMA’s State Offices and Agencies of Emergency Management ). Potassium iodide can also be purchased from local pharmacies. You can learn more about the Use of Potassium Iodide on NRC website.