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Nuclear Preparedness

Although construction and operation of nuclear power plants are closely monitored and regulated by the NRC, an accident, though unlikely, is possible.

Three Orange County cities (San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano) lie within miles of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) site.

The potential danger from an accident at a nuclear power plant is exposure to radiation. This exposure could come from the release of radioactive material from the plant into the environment, usually characterized by a plume (cloud-like) formation. The area that the radioactive release may affect is determined by the amount released from the plant, wind direction and speed and weather conditions.

If a release of radiation occurs, the levels of radioactivity will be monitored by authorities from local emergency responders, Federal and State governments, and the utility, to determine the potential danger in order to protect the public.

Learn more:

• Check out nuclear disaster plans at Orange County Sheriff's Department's Emergency Management Bureau.
• Find out how nuclear power works and get a nuclear power fact sheet at the SONGS site.
• Get timely information about the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) on its community site.
• Learn more about nuclear emergency preparedness at the California Emergency Management Agency.
• Read about radiation and nuclear threat at Ready.gov’s Nuclear section