The recent events unfolding in Japan as a result of the earthquake followed by a 30 foot wall of water crashing into Japan’s Pacific Coast has resulted in an unprecedented emergency. Dangerous levels of radiation have escaped the quake-stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant after the reactor’s steel containment structure was breached by an explosion. The result is threatening to overshadow even the massive damage and loss of life from the devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Given the circumstances, citizens here in the United States are now asking: Are we in danger? How can I prepare for an emergency or disaster?
The northeast quadrant of Monroe County is within the 10 mile radius of the Ginna Nuclear Power Plant and accordingly, Monroe County is required to have a Federal and State approved response plan and exercise on a yearly basis that involves various entities both private and public in the overall response plan. These plans are fully evaluated on a yearly basis by the State Office of Emergency Management and every other year by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Individuals can also take certain steps to prepare themselves by putting together an emergency kit, developing and practicing a family emergency plan and becoming informed about the hazards of radiation. HSMi’s CERT and Citizen Preparedness courses are excellent ways to become informed about dealing with these types of emergencies.
Attached please find a fact sheet and additional resources to learn more about dealing with radiation.
John Perrone Homeland Security Management Institute 03/21/2011
Attachments:
Radiation Fact Sheet.doc
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