Health Articles

 

Pottstownschools.org

Emergency Planning for the
Important Safety Information
For Your Community
and Annual Special Needs Survey
Please read the entire brochure or have someone translate it for you. Discuss this information with members of your family, and then keep the brochure in a convenient place for future use.
ESTA INFORMACIÓN ES IMPORTANTE
Por favor lea este panfleto o encuentre alguien que se lo lea. Discuta esta información con su familia y mantenga este panfleto en un lugar conveniente para un uso futuro. Si necesita obtener copia de este panfleto en español, por favor llame al Centro Hispano Daniel Torres, al 610-685-1264.
Nuclear Power
and Public Safety
Benefits and Potential Risks of Nuclear Power
Used properly, nuclear fission (the "splitting" of uranium atoms) is a
safe, dependable source of electricity. It is reasonable, though, to be
concerned about what might happen in the event of a serious incident
at a power plant.
A power plant reactor cannot produce a nuclear explosion. The uranium
fuel contains very little fissionable material. As for radiation, the
complex structure of a nuclear power plant is designed to prevent the
release of radiation. A serious incident, however, could allow some
radiation to escape, most likely as a cloud, or "plume," of radioactive
steam that would be carried away from the plant by the wind. The
degree of risk to the public would depend on the size of the plume, the
direction and speed of the wind, and other factors.
Emergency Planning for the Limerick Area
Special plans have already been developed to protect the public in the
event of a nuclear incident in your area. These plans give specific
attention to people who – like you – live, work or visit within 10 miles
of a nuclear power plant. Procedures are in place to help protect you and
other members of the public in the unlikely event of a nuclear
emergency. If necessary, area officials would declare an emergency and
take measures to ensure public safety.
This pamphlet addresses procedures for the Limerick area. Please read
and keep this material for future reference. Although it specifically
addresses a potential nuclear accident, much of the information is useful
in any major emergency.
Warning Sirens
Communities across the United States may use outdoor warning sirens for many purposes. Sirens are not exclusive to nuclear power facilities. Sirens are designed to warn the public of many hazards, including fires, flooding, and other events that warrant public notifications. If you hear a siren, you should tune to one of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) stations listed in this brochure for official information. Sirens surrounding the Limerick Generating Station are routinely tested at 2 pm on the first Monday of each month. Rumor Control Telephone Numbers Berks County (610) 320-6150 Montgomery County (610) 631-9700 Chester County (610) 344-6480 TTY/TTD (610) 344-4785Siren Malfunction A siren may malfunction and inadvertently sound. Some indications of a siren malfunction are a siren sounding for more than five minutes, or a siren sounding with no accompanying message on the Emergency Alert System.
Siren Malfunction Contact Numbers Report siren malfunctions to the following county emergency management officials at the numbers below:Berks County (610) 655-4921 Montgomery County (610) 631-6530 Chester County (610) 344-5000 or (800) 732-1580Shelter-in-Place or Evacuation Officials might recommend that people either take shelter indoors or evacuate an area. It is critically important that you follow the recommended course of action. Staying home when instructed to evacuate or driving around when urged to stay indoors could expose you to danger unnecessarily.
NOTE: If you or someone you know might not respond to warning sirens or radio broadcasts due to impaired hearing or other factors, please use the attached reply card to notify local authorities now.
Potassium Iodide (KI)
The use of potassium iodide (KI) is an additional protective action
to a shelter/evacuation action. You should still be safe, if KI has
been recommended but is inaccessible. State and local officials will
announce when the public should take KI in repeated Emergency
Alert System messages. KI is a nonprescription medication that
blocks the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland. KI
does not protect a person or the thyroid from direct exposure to
radiation. Taking KI only saturates the thyroid with nonradioactive
iodide. For most individuals, taking KI is safe; however, adverse
reactions are possible in persons having existing thyroid conditions
and those with an allergy to iodine. Consult your physician if you
have concerns about the safety of KI for your child or yourself.
Follow the directions for storage and use that were included with
the product. Residents living within the 10-mile radius, who have
not already done so, may obtain more information about KI or
obtain KI by contacting:
Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or
www.health.state.pa.us
Classification of Accidents
Should an accident occur at the Limerick Generating Station, there
are four accident classifications you might hear reported on the
radio or TV, or read about in the newspapers.
Unusual EVEnTs — Events are in process or have occurred which
indicate a potential degradation of the level of safety of the plant or
indicate a security threat to facility protection. No releases of
radioactive material requiring off-site response or monitoring are
expected unless further degradation of safety system occurs.
AlERT — Events are in process or have occurred which involve an
actual or potential substantial degradation of the level of safety of the
plant or a security event that involves probable life threatening risk to
site personnel or damage to site equipment because of intentional
malicious dedicated efforts of a hostile act. Any releases are expected
to be limited to small fractions of the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) Protective Action Guideline exposure levels.
SITE AREa EMERGEnCY — Events are in process or have occurred which
involve actual or likely major failures of plant functions needed for
protection of the public or security events that result in intentional
damage or malicious acts: (1) toward site personnel or equipment
that could lead to the likely failure of or; (2) prevents effective access
to equipment needed for the protection of the public. Any releases
are not expected to result in exposure levels which exceed EPA
Protective Action Guide exposure levels beyond the site boundary.
GEnERal EMERGEnCY — Events are in process or have occurred which
involve actual or imminent substantial core degradation or melting with potential for loss of containment integrity or security events that result in an actual loss of physical control of the facility. Releases can be reasonably expected to exceed EPA Protective Action Guide exposure levels offsite for more than the immediate site area.
Emergency Alert System
The Emergency Alert System will provide you with official information in
cases of tornadoes, floods, nuclear plant accidents or other emergencies. Turn on your radio or TV for official information and instructions.
Emergency Alert Stations
Berks County
Pottstown Community Packing Checklist
Medical Supplies
Prescribed medications, first aid kit,
eyeglasses, hearing aids
Money
Cash, credit and ATM cards
Important Documents
Personal address book or papers you may
need in an emergency
Clothing
Including coats, shoes, outerwear
Personal Hygiene Items
Soap, shampoo, shaving kit, dental, eye
care and sanitary products
Baby Needs
Bottles, formula, diapers, favorite toy,
clothes, blanket, car seat
Foods for Special Diets
Bedding
2016 Exelon Corporation Southern Lehigh High School EMERGENCY EVACUATION ROUTE TOWNSHIP DIVISION RECEPTION COMMUNITY WEST WHITELAND BLDG.
Know your location on the map and mark it. Some primary evacuation routes and all pick-up points are listed below. In an emergency, follow the directions given on the radio, even if different from those shown below. Broadcasted directions will be based on actual road and weather conditions and wind direction – helping to ensure your safety as you leave the evacuation area. Report to the identified reception center if you need a temporary place to stay. At the center, you will be given directions to a mass care center nearby. For those who require transportation assistance, call the transportation assistance numbers listed below for your area. Evacuation Routes/Reception Centers/
Transportation Assistance Numbers
Berks County
Douglass Township (South)
Evacuation Route: Take Route 662 North Amity Township (Amity Gardens)
to Route 73 East to the reception center. Boyertown Bus Routes
Evacuation Route: Take Route 422 West to Reception Center: Oley Valley High School, (Municipal Pick-up Points)
the reception center. Schedule 1
Reception Center: Exeter Township Transportation Assistance Number: • S. Reading Ave. & Walker Dr. Building, East of Reading. • S. Reading Ave. & College, Walnut, & Transportation Assistance Number: W. Second Street "Hub" Douglass Township (North)
Evacuation Route: Take Route 562 West • E. Philadelphia Ave. at Chestnut St. – Amity Township (East)
to Route 662, North to Route 73 East to Evacuation Route: Take Route 662 North the reception center. Schedule 2
to Route 73 East to reception center. Reception Center: Oley Valley High School, • Second & Madison Sts. Reception Center: Oley Valley High School, Oley. • Third & Madison Sts. Transportation Assistance Number: • Fourth & Madison Sts. Transportation Assistance Number: • Fifth & Franklin Sts. – Tot Lot Earl Township
Schedule 3
Boyertown Borough
Evacuation Route: Take Route 562 West to • N. Reading Ave. & Spring St.
Evacuation Route: Take Route 73 West to 662 North to Route 73 East to the • Multi Service – YMCA Building reception center. reception center. Reception Center: Oley Valley High School, Reception Center: Oley Valley High School, Schedule 4
• W. Philadelphia Ave. & Walnut St.
Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: • W. Philadelphia Avenue & Orchard Colebrookdale Township
(West of Route 100)
Union Township
Schedule 5
Evacuation Route: Take Route 73 West to Evacuation Route: Take Route 724 West to • Borough Hall Lot the reception center. the reception center. • E. Philadelphia Ave. & Franklin St. Reception Center: Oley Valley High School, Reception Center: Robeson Township • E. Philadelphia Ave. at Chestnut St. – Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Numbers: (610) 385-3769 or (610) 582-3769 Colebrookdale Township
Washington Township
Berks County-Specific School
(East of Route 100)
Evacuation Route: Take Route 100 North Evacuation Route: Take Route 100 North to Route 29 North to the reception School District: Daniel Boone
to Route 29 North to the reception Reception Center: Emmaus High School, Risk Schools: Amity Elementary Center Reception Center: Emmaus High School, Monacacy Elementary Center Transportation Assistance Number: Daniel Boone Middle School Transportation Assistance Number: Host School: Daniel Boone High School School District: Boyertown Area
Risk Schools: Boyertown Senior High Boyertown Junior High East Boyertown Junior High West Host School: Keystone Hall, Kutztown University Risk Schools: Boyertown ElementaryHost School: Kutztown Area Middle School Risk Schools: Colebrookdale ElementaryNew Hanover ElementaryHost School: Kutztown Area High SchoolRisk Schools: Gilbertsville Elementary Pine Forge Elementary Host School: Kutztown Elementary School Evacuation Routes/Reception Centers/
Transportation Assistance Numbers
Chester County
North Coventry Township – North
Upper Uwchlan Township
Evacuation Route: Take Route 724 West to Evacuation Route: Take Route 100 South to Charlestown Township
the reception center. Route 113 South to Route 30 Bypass West to Evacuation Route: Take Route 29 South to Reception Center: Robeson Township Route 322 East to the reception center.
Route 202 South to the reception center. Reception Center: Downingtown West HS, Reception Center: Stetson Middle School Transportation Assistance Number: (Route 202 South of West Chester). Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Phoenixville Borough – North
Evacuation Route: Take Route 23 East to Uwchlan Township
East Coventry Township
Route 252 South to Route 202 South to the Evacuation Route: Take Route 113 South to Evacuation Route: Take Route 23 West to reception center. Gordon Drive to Route 100 South to the the reception center. Reception Center: Stetson Middle School reception center.
Reception Center: Morgantown Crossings. (Route 202 South of West Chester). Reception Center: W. Whiteland Township Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Building (Route 100 South of Business Route 30 at Commerce Drive).
East Nantmeal Township – West
Phoenixville Borough – South
Transportation Assistance Number: Evacuation Route: Take Route 401 West to Evacuation Route: Take Route 29 South to Route 23 West to the reception center. Route 202 South to the reception center. Warwick Township
Reception Center: Morgantown Crossings. Reception Center: Stetson Middle School Evacuation Route: Take Route 23 West to Transportation Assistance Number: (Route 202, South of West Chester). the reception center.
Transportation Assistance Number: Reception Center: Morgantown Crossings.
East Nantmeal Township – East
Transportation Assistance Number: Evacuation Route: Take Route 100 South to Schuylkill Township (East)
Route 113 South to Route 30 Bypass West to Evacuation Route: Take Route 23 East to West Pikeland Township
322 East to the reception center. Route 252 South to Route 202 South to the Evacuation Route: Take Route 113 South to Reception Center: Downingtown West HS, reception center.
Gordon Drive to Route 100 South to the Reception Center: Stetson Middle School reception center.
Transportation Assistance Number: (Route 202 South of West Chester).
Reception Center: W. Whiteland Township Transportation Assistance Number: Building (Route 100 South of Business Route East Pikeland Township
30 at Commerce Drive).
Evacuation Route: Take Route 113 South to Schuylkill Township (West)
Transportation Assistance Number: Gordon Drive to Route 100 South to the Evacuation Route: Take Route 29 South to reception center. Route 202 South to the reception center.
West Vincent Township
Reception Center: W. Whiteland Township Reception Center: Stetson Middle School Evacuation Route: Take Route 100 South to Building (Route 100 South of Business Route (Route 202 South of West Chester).
Route 113 South to Route 30 Bypass West to 30 at Commerce Drive). Transportation Assistance Number: Route 322 East to the reception center.
Transportation Assistance Number: Reception Center: Downingtown West HS, South Coventry Township
East Vincent Township
Evacuation Route: Take Route 23 West to Transportation Assistance Number: Evacuation Route: Take Route 23 East to the reception center.
Route 113 South to Gordon Drive to Route Reception Center: Morgantown Crossings.
100 South to the reception center. Transportation Assistance Number: Reception Center: W. Whiteland Township Building (Route 100 South of Business Route 30 at Commerce Drive). Spring City Borough
Transportation Assistance Number: Evacuation Route: Take Route 724 East to Route 23 E. to Route 113 South to Gordon Drive to Route 100 South to the reception North Coventry Township – South
Evacuation Route: Take Route 100 South to Reception Center: W. Whiteland Township Route 23 West to the reception center. Building (Route 100 South of Business Route Reception Center: Morgantown Crossings. 30 at Commerce Drive).
Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Evacuation Routes/Reception Centers/
Transportation Assistance Numbers
Municipal Pick-up Points
Phoenixville Area Sr. High
Chester County-Specific
1200 Blk. Gay St.
I. Phoenixville Borough
Walgreens
Contact Borough Hall for exact Nutt Rd. & Fridge St.
School District: Owen J. Roberts District
pick-up times and locations. Cascaden Park
North Side
1200 Lane Ave. (At Water Tank) Risk Schools: All Friendship Field
Werner Bus Company Lot
Host Schools: Twin Valley H.S./M.S., Filmore & Franklin Sts.
Chester Ave., & Paradise St.
Twin Valley Elementary Center Holy Trinity Church
Grimm AME Church Field
School District: Phoenixville Area School
Dayton at St. Mary's St.
Morris St. & Lincoln Ave.
District
Black Rock Boat Dock
Gaines Creek Community Center
Risk School: Phoenixville H.S. Rt. 113 at Schuylkill River Host School: Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle High St. Playground
Eland Downes Community Center
400 Blk. of High St. next to Friendship Fire Risk Schools: Phoenixville Middle School United Methodist Church
Schuylkill Elementary Westridge Community Ctr.
1200 Blk. S. Main St.
Barkley Elementary Township Line & Mowere Rds.
East Pikeland Elementary Fairview St. Projects
II. Spring City Borough
Kindergarten Center Fairview & Grant Sts.
Contact Borough Hall for exact pick-up times and locations. Host School: Conestoga High School • Church St. & Bridge St.
School District: Downingtown Area School
Municipal Parking Lot
• Church St. & Yost Ave.
District
Bridge & Main Sts.
• Church St. & New Str.
Risk School: Pickering Valley Elementary Emergency Operation Ctr.
• Church St. & Hall St.
Host School: Downington High School (East) Buchanan & Morgan Sts.
• Church St. & Chestnut St.
Phoenix Cleaners Parking Lot
• Church St. & Poplar St.
School District: Great Valley School District
300 Blk. Bridge St.
• Church St. & Washington St.
Risk School: Charlestown Elementary Presbyterian Church Parking Lot
• Church St. & Walnut St.
Host School: Great Valley High School Main Street & Washington Ave.
• Church St. & Pikeland Ave.
East Side
• Main St. & Walnut St.
Reeves Park
• Main St. & Poplar St.
Second Ave. & Main St.
• Main St. & Chestnut St.
Acme Parking Lot
• Main St. & Hall St.
Starr St. west of Nutt Rd.
• Main St. & New St.
Barkley School
• Main St. & Yost Av.
Second Ave. & Lincoln Ave.
• Main St. & Bridge St.
Second Avenue School
• Bridge St. & Penn St.
Second Ave. & Carson St.
• Penn St. & Bridge St.
West Side
• Ridge Ave. & Glass St.
DeSano Field
• Bridge St. & Glass St.
Wheatland & Mason Sts.
The West Company Parking Lot
1050 W. Bridge St.
Evacuation Routes/Reception Centers/
Transportation Assistance Numbers
Montgomery County
Pottstown Borough (East)
Collegeville Borough
Lower Providence Township
Evacuation Route: Take Route 422 Bypass Evacuation Route: Take Germantown Pike Evacuation Route: Take Route 363 South West to the reception center. East Right on Chemical Road to the reception to Route 422 East to Route 202 North to Reception Center: Exeter Township Pennsylvania Turnpike East to Exit 351 to Reception Center: Plymouth Meeting Route 1 North to the reception center. Transportation Assistance Number: Reception Center: Neshaminy Mall, Transportation Assistance Number: Cornwells Heights. Transportation Assistance Number: Pottstown Borough (South)
Evacuation Route: Take Hanover Street Douglass Township
South via Hanover Street Bridge to Route 724 Evacuation Route: Take Route 100 North to Lower Salford Township
West to the reception center. Route 29 North to the reception center. Evacuation Route: Take Route 113 North to Reception Center: Robeson Township Reception Center: Emmaus High School, the reception center. Reception Center: County Line Plaza, Telford. Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Pottstown Borough (West)
Green Lane Borough
Marlborough Township
Evacuation Route: Take Route 422 West to Evacuation Route: Take Route 63 East to Evacuation Route: Take Route 63 East to the reception center. Route 113 North to the reception center. Route 113 North to the reception center. Reception Center: Exeter Township Reception Center: County Line Plaza, Telford. Reception Center: County Line Plaza, Telford. Building. Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Limerick Township
New Hanover Township
Royersford Borough
Evacuation Route: Take Ridge Pike East to Evacuation Route: Take Route 663 North to Evacuation Route: Take Township Line Road Germantown Pike East Right on Chemical Route 309 North to the reception center. to Ridge Pike East to Germantown Pike East Road to the reception center. Reception Center: Southern Lehigh High Right on Chemical Road to the reception Reception Center: Plymouth Meeting Transportation Assistance Number: Reception Center: Plymouth Meeting Transportation Assistance Number: Perkiomen Township
Transportation Assistance Number: Lower Frederick Township
Evacuation Route: Take Route 29 South to Evacuation Route: Take Route 29 North to Route 113 North to Route 73 East to Route 202 Schwenksville Borough
Perkiomenville Road to Route 63 East to North to the reception center. Evacuation Route: Take Route 73 East to Route 113 North to the reception center. Reception Center: Montgomery Mall, Route 202 North to the reception center. Reception Center: County Line Plaza, Telford. North Wales. Reception Center: Montgomery Mall, North Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Numbers: Lower Pottsgrove Township
Pottstown Borough (Central)
(610) 287-9370 or (610) 287-7442 Evacuation Route: Take Route 663 North to Evacuation Route: Take Route 100 North to Skippack Township
Route 309 North to the reception center. Route 29 North to the reception center. Evacuation Route: Take Route 113 North to Reception Center: Southern Lehigh High Reception Center: Emmaus High School, Route 73 East to Route 202 North to the reception center. Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Reception Center: Montgomery Mall, North Pottstown Borough (North)
Transportation Assistance Number: Evacuation Route: Take Route 663 (North Charlotte Street) to Route 309 North to the reception center. Reception Center: Southern Lehigh High Transportation Assistance Number: Evacuation Routes/Reception Centers/
Transportation Assistance Numbers
Trappe Borough (North)
Upper Pottsgrove Township
West Pottsgrove Township
Evacuation Route: Take Route 113 North Evacuation Route: Take Route 100 North to Evacuation Route: Take High Street West to to Route 73 East to Route 202 North to the Route 29 North to the reception center. Route 422 West to the reception center. reception center. Reception Center: Emmaus High School, Reception Center: Exeter Township Building Reception Center: Montgomery Mall, (East of Reading). Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Upper Providence Township
Trappe Borough (South)
Evacuation Route: Take Route 422 East to Evacuation Route: Take Ridge Pike East to Route 202 North to Pennsylvania Turnpike Germantown Pike East, right on Chemical East to Exit 351, then Route 1 North to the Road to the reception center. reception center. Reception Center: Plymouth Meeting Reception Center: Neshaminy Mall (Cornwells Heights). Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: (610) 933-9179 or (610) 933-8608 Upper Frederick Township
Upper Salford Township
Evacuation Route: Take Perkiomenville Rd. Evacuation Route: Take Route 63 East to to Route 63 East to Route 113 North to the Route 113 North to reception center. reception center. Reception Center: County Line Plaza, Reception Center: County Line Plaza, Telford. Telford. Transportation Assistance Number: Transportation Assistance Number: Evacuation Routes/Reception Centers/
Transportation Assistance Numbers
Pottstown Pick-up Points
(Contact Pottstown Borough Hall for exact pick-up times for your zone.) Central Zone
St. Aloysius Church Social Hall
Beech & Penn Sts.
1st United Presbyterian Church
ery County
750 N. Evans & Nightingale Second Baptist Church
507 N. Adams St.
First Church of the Brethern
Fifth & York Sts.
North Zone
Jackson & Adams Sts.  St. Paul's United Church of Christ
931 Franklin & Grace Sts.
South Zone
Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church
366 South St.
East Zone
Richard Ricketts Community Center
Montgomery County-Specific School District: Spring-Ford Area
Beech & Grant Sts.
Risk School: All Public Schools R.P. Smith Towers
School District: Methacton
Host Schools: Montgomery County High & Washington Sts.
Risk Schools: All Public Schools Community College Pollock House
Host School: Norristown Area High School High & Washington Sts.
School District: Upper Perkiomen
Chesmont Professional Bldg.
School District: Perkiomen Valley
Risk School: All students living in the 13 Armand Hammer Blvd.
Risk Schools: Perkiomen Valley High School Emergency Planning Zone. Church of the Nazarene
Perkiomen Valley Middle School East Host School: Retained at Upper 1045 Beech St.
Host School: North Penn High School Perkiomen High School (Red Hill) Goodwill Fire Company
Risk Schools: Perkiomen Valley Middle School after normal dismissal time.
High & Bailey Sts.
Congregation Mercy & Truth Synagogue
Schwenksville Elementary School Risk School: Western Center for 575 North Keim St.
Host School: Pennfield Middle School Risk Schools: Evergreen Elementary School Technical Studies West Zone
South Elementary School Host Schools: Upper Perkiomen High St. Michaels Ukrainian Catholic Church
Host School: Penndale Middle School School (Red Hill) 425 W. Walnut St.
Risk Schools: Skippack Elementary School Empire Hook and Ladder Company
Host School: Pennbrook Middle School Chestnut & Franklin St.
School District: Pottsgrove
Philadelphia Steam Fire Engine Co. #1
Risk Schools: All Public Schools Chestnut & Penn Sts.
Host School: Southern Lehigh High School The Ice House
Complex (Center Valley-Lehigh County) King & Manatawney Sts.
Pottstown Area
School District: Pottstown
Senior Citizen's Center
Risk Schools: All Public Schools 724 N Adams St.
Host School: Emmaus High School Complex
(Lehigh County)
School District: Souderton Area
Risk School: Salford Hills Elementary School Host School: Indian Valley Middle School (Harleysville) What Is Radiation?
Radiation is energy in the form of rays or particles. Some atoms – the ones
we call radioactive – are unstable. They go through a natural process called "decay" in which they change into a stable atom. In the process of decay, they throw off rays or particles called radiation. We measure radiation in units called millirems. A millirem measures the effect of radiation on our bodies, as degrees measure temperature and inches measure distance. After more than 90 years of intensive study, radiation is the most scientifically understood, easily detected, precisely measured, effectively controlled and strictly regulated of all environmental agents. Radiation is exactly the same, whether from nature or medical or industrial activities. We also use radioactive materials – which give off radiation – in hundreds of beneficial, life-saving activities. For example, radioactive materials are used in many smoke detectors and in the X-ray equipment used by doctors. Nuclear energy plants, our second largest source of electricity in the United States, also use radioactive materials as fuel. What You Need to Know
About Nuclear Power
Plants and Radiation
How Do Nuclear Plants Work?
Power plants create electricity by running steam turbines, which are powered either by fossil fuels – coal, oil, natural gas – or by nuclear power. Nuclear technology produces energy by splitting uranium atoms in a process called fission. (A) Fission generates heat that (B) boils water
for the steam that runs the (C) turbines, which produce the (D) electricity
that we all use – making, for instance, toast for breakfast. In a nuclear power plant, pea-sized uranium pellets are stacked inside long, thin fuel rods, which are grouped in "assemblies" inside a reactor "core." The core is encased in a very thick steel capsule, and the entire reactor is further protected by an airtight steel and concrete building called a "containment." This complex structure is designed to help ensure the safe utilization of nuclear power.
How Do We All Benefit From Nuclear Power?
Any fuel used to produce energy also produces waste. By-products of coal-burning include smoke, ashes and slag. Even with the latest technologies, it is impossible to prevent some of this waste from reaching the environment outside the power plant. Nuclear power generation, on the other hand, produces waste primarily in the form of spent fuel, which is not released into the environment. Besides helping to protect the environment, nuclear energy is also highly efficient, producing vastly more energy for its weight than coal or oil. We would have to burn more than 120 gallons of oil or up to a ton of coal to produce the same amount of energy as that found in a single pellet of What to Do in
an Emergency
Monitor and Prepare
Tune your radio or TV to one of the stations listed in this brochure. Monitor the radio and TV for emergency information and follow emergency instructions. People should prepare for possible evacuation (e.g.; reunite with family members, assemble emergency kits, provide for pet needs, keep off of the road as much as possible)
Keep Phone Lines Open
Please do not make unnecessary phone calls. Leaving phone lines open for emergency workers will help everyone involved. If you require assistance, call the emergency phone numbers broadcast on the radio.
Shelter-in-Place
Go indoors and stay there. Close all doors and windows and shut off any systems that draw in outside air, such as furnaces, fireplaces and air conditioners. Keep listening to the radio for updates. Keep pets inside and shelter farm animals. If traveling, close windows and vents.
If Instructed to Evacuate
In an evacuation, people in the affected area will be asked to go to local reception centers listed within this brochure. After this, they can stay at specified mass care centers or with friends or relatives outside the evacuation zone. Please do not try to pick up children or others at schools, hospitals, nursing homes or overnight campgrounds. These facilities will be following their own special emergency plans, and you would most likely miss connections. If evacuated, students, hospital patients and nursing home residents will be accompanied to relocation centers where their needs will be addressed. To find out where people are being moved, stay tuned Plan for three days away from home, locking up and turning appliances off as you would for a weekend vacation. Pack all necessary items. (See "Packing Checklist.") Evacuate everyone in your home, following directions given on the radio. These routes will have been selected as the safest ways out of the affected area.
Shadow Evacuation
Persons should only evacuate when instructed to do so. Evacuation of individuals not within the declared evacuation area could impede evacuation traffic flow. Monitor the radio and prepare to follow instructions.
Staged Evacuation
You may be instructed to Shelter-in-place until people in a higher risk area are evacuated. Monitor the radio and prepare to follow instructions.
Information for Farmers
When advised to do so, remove all livestock from pasture, shelter if possible, and provide them with stored feed and protected water. The county U.S. Department of Agriculture representative will provide further instructions regarding the protection of livestock and foodstuffs. School Information
If your child's school is in session at the time evacuation is recommended, children attending schools located within the emergency panning zone will be transported to designated host schools outside the area. They will remain under supervision until picked up by parents or guardians. These host schools have been planned to coincide with main evacuation routes. Children whose homes are inside the emergency planning zone, but who attend school outside the emergency planning zone, will not be sent home if an evacuation is recommended. They will remain at the school under supervision until picked up by parents or guardians. See the "County-specific School Information" within this brochure or contact school officials for more information.
Non-Public School and Day Care Information
Parents and guardians with children atttending non-public schools or at day care facilities within the emergency planning zone should become familiar with the facilities ' emergency plans. Contact the facility operator for more information.
How to Prepare for
an Emergency
You never know when you might have to leave your home on short
notice. A nuclear incident is only one possibility. Floods, fires, chemical spills or severe illness could occur at any time. Preparing now will help you respond more quickly in any emergency.
Emergency Kit
Keep an emergency kit – portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, extra car keys, first aid kit and other items – in a special place that the whole family can easily locate. Include this booklet in your emergency kit with your location marked on the map. Write a list of the items you would want to take if you had to leave home quickly and post the list in a convenient spot. Be sure to keep a supply of all the items on your list. Gather any important documents that you might need in an emergency and keep them together in a safe place that you can access quickly and easily.
Transportation
Maintain your vehicle in good running order and keep the gas tank at least half full at all times. If you will need transportation in an emergency, use the attached reply card to notify local authorities now.
Pets
Only service animals will be permitted inside reception centers or shelters.
Pets will not be allowed inside reception centers and shelters. Pet sheltering information will be available at the reception centers and shelters for your area.
Contact your respective County Emergency Management Agency for For more information on emergency planning in your area, please contact:
Berks County
Department of Emergency Services
Direct Link Technology Center
2561 Bernville Road
Reading, PA 19605
(610) 374-4800
www.BerksDES.com
Attention Berks County Residents
If you are a resident of Berks County and require special assistance during an emergency, please
complete the on-line special needs survey at http://www.berksdes.com. After accessing the website, click
on the "Berks County Special Needs Survey" link.
DO NOT COMPLETE THE SURVEY ENCLOSED WITH THIS BROCHURE.
If you do not have access to a computer or have additional questions,
please call Berks DES at (610) 374-4800 ext. 8206.
Montgomery County
Attention Chester & Montgomery
Office of Emergency Preparedness 50 Eagleville Road Residents of Chester and Montgomery Eagleville, PA 19403 Counties should sign up to receive official alerts and notifications at: Montgomery County Department of Public Safety ReadyMontCo:
@MCpublicsafety This system provides direct and immediate information during an emergency and allows you to provide detailed and confidential information Department of Emergency Services useful to your local emergency Government Services Center management agency. If you do not 601 Westtown Road, Suite 12 have access to a computer, a friend or family member can complete the West Chester, PA 19380-0990 online registration for you.
An instructional video is available at: Emergency Management Agency 2605 Interstate Dr.
Harrisburg, PA 17110 People With Special Needs
The information gathered by this survey is CONFIDENTIAL. Your county emergency management agency (EMA) and emergency services personnel utilize this information for emergency response planning.
Those with impaired sight, hearing or mobility might have difficulty responding to an emergency. If you, someone in your household or someone you know who lives in the emergency planning zone will need special assistance in an emergency, please notify your county EMA today. Simply fill out and mail the attached reply card. It is postage-paid, so you don't even need a stamp.
This information is updated annually. Please return this survey even if
you have previously responded. If you prefer, you may contact your local EMA
directly. Area agencies are listed elsewhere in this pamphlet.
Berks County residents please complete the on-line survey at www.berksdes.com or call 610-374-4800 x8206 in lieu of using this reply card.
Local officials may contact you for additional information. Please check "yes" or "no" for the following questions: 1 Do you have a hearing impairment that would make it difficult to
hear outdoor warning sirens or other emergency notifications? 2 Do you have a medical or physical condition that would make
it difficult to evacuate in an emergency? 3 Are you without any personal means of transportation, such
as a car or truck, to evacuate in an emergency? Number of people needing transportation? _ 4 Do you have a radio or television?
NameAddressCity TownshipCounty Email AddressTelephone Number Please TAPE closed here. DO NOT STAPLE.

Source: http://www.pottstownschools.org/Downloads/LimerickEmergencyPlanningBrochure20162017.pdf