If you are a resident of Calvert County or surrounding counties, you probably already know about Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. This plant is what powers millions of homes in and around Baltimore and is the only nuclear power plant in Maryland! The plant utilizes nuclear energy, a cleaner and much more effective energy than fossil fuels, to produce energy for our homes and businesses. To put it into perspective, the plant produces more than 12,000 Gigawatts of energy per year, and 1 single gigawatt can power 100 million lightbulbs! Although the plant is specifically designed for nuclear power generation, it is important to understand the dangers of a nuclear incident occuring, and knowing how to prepare for it.

How Does it Work?

Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant relies on the process of nuclear fission to produce energy. This process involves the splitting of high-in-energy uranium atoms, which when split cause a chain reaction. The reaction results in lots of heat which boils water into steam. Turbines then use the steam to create electricity, ready for use.

This entire process is done in the plants core, which is built to contain the reaction, since nuclear fission is very dangerous. If the core fails, then an incident could follow, which would affect the area surrounding the plant.

How to Prepare For an Incident

Before an incident, there are many supplies you should consider having with you:

Radio
Flashlight
Cash, Credit/Debit card
Batteries
Extra car keys
A first aid kit
KI tablets
A map

Always have some sort of transportation with sufficient fuel that can get you far away from the affected area. You should also prepare evacuation route to follow, if not directed by authorities. The directly affected area is estimated to be about 10 miles (A map of the affected areas can be found at the bottom of the page). Do not attempt to pick up children or others at schools or hospitals as they already have their own evacuation plans. It is wise to expect to be away for at least 3 days after an incident.

What to do During an Incident

If an incident were to occur at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, it is important to remain calm and not rush. If you hear a siren, a tone on your radio, a route alert from emergency responders, or a robocall from a public safety working system, tune your television or radio to the emergency alert system. You will either be asked to evacuate with instructions or to remain where you are (sheltering in place).

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a system that televisions and commercial radio stations are required to have in case that there is an emergency that needs to be nationally broadcasted. Below is a few stations that you can tune into incase of a nuclear incident:

WPTX 1690 Lexington Park
WKHZ 1460 Easton

WKIK 102.9 California
WPRS 104.1 Waldorf
WTOP 103.5 Frederick & DC

If you are required to stay in your home, there are some things you can do ensure your safety. The walls in your home can block much of the radiation from an incident as radiation gets weaker over time. Radiation stays on the outside of buildings, so move to the middle of the room or the basement. Turn off all fans, air conditioning units, and forced air units, and close all windows. This keeps the radiation in the air from entering your house. It is vital to stay inside as there still may be radiation outside.

What Would Happen After an Incident?

After a nuclear incident has occurred, it is important to follow local authorities' instructions. Do not attempt to return to your home or business as radiation may still be present. If you are injured or feel sick, seek medical attention immediately. Depending on how bad an incident might be, the time it takes to contain it and reduce radiation levels may take weeks. Once again, do not try to go back to your home or business until you are officially notified that it is safe to return.

How Does Radiation Affect us?

There are many types of radiation, but the one that we should be most worried about is ionizing radiation.

Ionizing radiation is the type of radiation that would be produced in an incident. It can cause chemical changes in our tissue which can lead to sickness, radiation poisoning, or cancer. The lining of your intestinal tract, your stomach, and bone marrow are most susceptible to radiation poisoning.

Radiation poisoning is exactly what it sounds like, poisoning caused by radiation, and it includes symptoms like Nausea and vomiting, headache, fever, weakness and fatigue, hair loss, etc. if you've been exposed to radiation, even if you don't have symptoms, seek medical help.

Radiation Sickness

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What is a KI Tablet?

Potassium Iodine Tablets (KI tablets) are a non-prescriptive drug that can be taken to prevent radiation damage to the thyroid gland. It is able to protect against some forms of radiation but should only be taken if directed by authorities. KI tablets can be found pharmacy's and online.

Amazon Link for KI Tablets:

Link

Emergency Evacuation Routes

(Provided by Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant)

Site Link: sites.google.com/calvertnet.k12.md.us/emergencyplanningccnpp/home

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