Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission in a contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers generators to produce electricity. Although the construction and operation of these facilities are closely monitored and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accidents are possible.
Wisconsin Emergency Management develops, plans, and conducts exercises to respond to the potential release of materials from three nuclear power plants that are within or near the state’s borders.
Wisconsin has one operating nuclear power plant, Point Beach Nuclear Plant located in Two Rivers. Two other nuclear plants that could affect areas of our state include Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant located in Welch, Minnesota and the Byron Nuclear Generating Station in Byron, Illinois.
FOUR EMERGENCY CLASSIFICATION LEVELS DURING A POWER PLANT EMERGENCY
This is the lowest classification and means that a minor plant event has occurred. No radiation leak is expected and no action on your part is necessary. This level ensures the first steps for future response are being carried out, operations staff are at the ready, and the plant is handling unusual events information and decision-making.
This is declared when there is a decrease in the level of plant safety or there is a security event can threaten site personnel or damage plant equipment. Any release of radioactive material that could occur is expected to be minimal and below limits established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guides. This level makes sure emergency personnel are ready and available to respond if the situation becomes more serious and allows offsite authorities to receive current information on plant status.
Events are in progress or have occurred which have caused or will likely cause major plant failures that impact safety measures designed to protect the public, or involve security events with intentional damage that could lead to the likely failure of equipment to protect the public. This level ensures emergency response centers are staffed, monitoring teams are dispatched, personnel required for evacuating nearby areas are at duty stations, proper communication with offsite authorities, and government authorities are providing the public with updates.
This is the most serious of emergency classification levels. Events are in progress that have caused substantial reactor core damage with the potential for uncontrolled releases of radioactive materials, or security events that deny plant staff physical control of the facility. This declaration initiates predetermined protective actions for the public including: continuous dose monitoring, additional protective measures as necessitated by potential or actual releases, consultation with offsite authorities, and updates to the public by government authorities.
additional resources
Point Beach Nuclear Plant Safety Information:
Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant information and emergency planning guide:
Byron Generating Station Safety Information:
CDC Decontamination Guides:
Wisconsin Emergency Management Radiological Emergency Preparedness:
Radiological Emergency Information for Farmers, Food Processors, and Distributors:
CDC Radiation Emergency guides:
CDC Decontamination Guides:
Radiological Dispersion Device safety
Nuclear explosion safety:
