Radiological Incidents

While it is unlikely that a serious radiological emergency will occur here, parts of Alachua County are in Emergency Planning Zones (EPZ) for two different nuclear power plants. The threat form the University of Florida Training Reactor is limited to the reactor site, and the potential danger from Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant is only from indirect exposure such as ingestion of contaminated food.

If a radiological incident occurs and you are advised to do so by emergency officials:

• Close and lock home doors and windows.
• Keep car windows and vents closed; use recirculating air.
• If you must go outdoors, cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief.
• If possible, shelter livestock and give them stored feed and protected water supplies. A special effort should be made to protect dairy cows from being contaminated.
• Wash leafy vegetables, pods and fruits thoroughly. Clean and peel underground vegetables such as potatoes and carrots.
• Fresh vegetables, cattle feed, milk from grazing cattle and open drinking water sources may need to be tested before consumption. (You will be advised by emergency officials if this action should be taken)
• If you have just been outdoors, take a thorough shower. Change your clothes and shoes. Put the items you were wearing in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and store it out of the way until you receive official notice of how the items should be handled.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Preparedness Brochures:

• FEMA Fact Sheet: Nuclear Power Plant Emergency (web version | print version)

Links:

• Florida Division of Emergency Management: Radiological Emergencies
• Nuclear Power Plants Emergency Classification Levels