Even with the strictest safety measures, accidents at nuclear installations cannot be ruled out. While nuclear power plants are designed to contain radiation, a serious incident or accident could release radioactive material, potentially affecting workers and the public in areas far beyond the installation.
That’s why detailed emergency plans are in place to protect people and the environment.
How is the EU prepared to respond in case of incident or accident?
Emergency plans cover:
- early warning and information exchange in an emergency, including systems for alerting national authorities and systems enabling decision-makers to share useful information and radiological data in real-time
- protective actions to take, for example giving instructions to shelter or to evacuate and providing iodine tablets to protect the thyroid
- essential supplies – stockpiles of medicine, food, and water
- decontamination – equipment and trained teams to clean affected people, buildings and land
- medical response – specialised care for radiation exposure.