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Radiological & Nuclear

Surry or North Anna power stations, there are four different warnings:

  • Notification of Unusual Event: There is a problem at the nuclear facility. No action is necessary.
  • Alert: There is a problem at the nuclear facility that has the potential for a radiological release. No action is necessary.
  • Site Area Emergency: A more serious problem has occurred at the plant, and small amounts of radiation might have or could leak into the environment. Area sirens might sound, and state and local officials will act to ensure public safety. Listen to your local EAS station.
  • 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 or television stations for information. State and local officials will act to ensure public safety. Be prepared to follow instructions promptly.

Taking potassium iodide

Potassium iodide, also called KI, only protects a person's thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine. KI will not protect a person from other radioactive materials or protect other parts of the body from exposure to radiation. KI is most effective if taken before exposure or immediately after exposure. Since there is no way to know at the time of an incident whether radioactive iodine was present in the release, taking KI would probably not be beneficial. Also, KI can be dangerous to some people.

KI tables are available to individuals who live or work within 10 miles of a nuclear power station. Those individuals may voluntarily request and pick up single tablets from the local health district office. Contact your local health director or emergency management coordinator for distribution locations. Note that state and local officials will inform the public about the availability of KI tablets and when to take them. More information is available on the Virginia Department of Health Web site.

Stay Informed

  • Listen to Emergency Alert System TV and radio stations to stay informed.
  • Keep in mind that after a radiation release, it could be hours, or even days, before emergency personnel are able to reach you.

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