Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant & KI (Potassium Iodide)
The City of Newburyport is located within the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) for the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station meaning residents must take extra steps to be prepared should an accident occur.
Three important steps to prepare for an emergency at the power plant are:
- Ensure you have the proper doses of unexpired Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets for you and your family (available at the Health Department)
- Sign up for Code Red notifications for radiological emergency at Seabrook Power Station by clicking here.
- Plan your evacuation route and have an emergency plan for you, your family, and your pets.
Newburyport residence can obtain KI tablets free of charge during normal business hours at the Health Department.
For children, dosage may vary based on age and weight, so please be sure to have this information readily available.
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/emergencies/ki.htm
In the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency that requires you to take action, you will be alerted through emergency alert system radio and television stations, CodeRed, wireless emergency alerts, outdoor warning sirens, and marine radio channels 16 and 22. The outdoor warning sirens will make a steady three to five minute sound. If you receive an emergency alert, go inside your home or a nearby building and turn on the emergency alert system station: 92.5 FM, 93.7 FM, 98.5 FM, 106.1 FM, 1030 AM, or 1450 AM.
Safety instructions may be given to you at any hour, day or night, and will include recommendations as to what you should do for your protection. Follow instructions carefully. Information will be provided and rebroadcasted regularly.
Emergency Classification Levels:
Unusual Event - means a minor problem has occured at the plant. Public officials would be notified, but people in the area would not need to take any special precautions.
Alert - means plant safety could be affected. As a precaution, public officials may transfer school children to host facilities outside the area and clear state parks and waterways. Radio and news broadcasts would inform the public of these actions.
Site Area Emergency - means a more serious problem has occured. State and local officials will use the emergency alert system to keep people in the area fully informed. Sirens and CodeRed would notify persons in the area if the public needs to take any action.
General Emergency - the most serious type of emergency. It could involve serious damage at the plant and the release of radioactive materials. Sirens and CodeRed would notify persons in the area. State and local officials will use the emergency alert system to issue public safety instructions to those in the area.
Evacuation vs. Shelter in Place Orders
| Evacuation | Shelter in Place |
|---|---|
If evacuation is necessary, public safety officials will tell you over the emergency alert system radio station what to do. DO NOT evacuate unless told to do so by public safety officials.
Only take what you will need with you, like clothing, toiletries, prescription medications and medical supplies, checkbook/credit card/cash, speical dietary foods, baby supplies, pet supplies, and drivers license/identification.
Take your pets with you. Not all shelters are pet-friendly, so have a plan for your pets in case of evacuation.
DO NOT try to pick up children at their schools. They will be taken to designated host schools outside the area where you may pick them up later.
If you have family members in a hospital or a nursing home, stay tuned to the emergency alert system station. Patients may be released to family members or moved to another location.
If you have questions or need information, call 2-1-1. Only call 9-1-1 if you need to request help.
Stay tuned to an Emergency Alert System station.
Secure your home and check with neighbors to see if they need assistance.
Follow the established evacuation routes to the reception center. Reception centers are opened to monitor evacuees for radiological contamination. After checking in at the reception center, short-term food and housing is available at mass care shelters. | Stay inside. Keep all children and pets inside.
Close all doors and windows and turn off all sources of outside air.
Monitor the emergency alert system stations: 92.5 FM, 93.7 FM, 98.5 FM, 106.1 FM, 1450 AM, 1030 AM.
If sheltering in place is recommended during school hours, children will be sheltered at the school and cared for by school personnel.
Go to an interior room or basement.
If you must go outside, cover your nose and mouth with a folded, damp cloth.
If you have questions or need information, call 2-1-1. Only call 9-1-1 if you need to request help. |
NEWBURYPORT EMERGENCY RECEPTION CENTER
Masconomet Regional High School
20 Endicott Road
Boxford, MA
Evacuate using Interstate 95, Route 1, and Route 1A
NEWBURYPORT SCHOOLS HOST FACILITY
Minuteman High School
Marrett Road (off Route 2A West)
Lexington, MA
For more information on what to do if an emergency event occurs at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station, please click here.