Precautions and public health advice on radiation emergencies
If you hear of a radiation incident in your area Go in, Stay in and Tune in to local radio or television for information and advice about what actions to take.
All civil and military facilities working with or transporting ionising radiation pose some risk, however remote, to the general public, and as such a radiation emergency could occur anywhere in Somerset.
To make sure that the likelihood of an incident remains very low, stringent licence conditions control its use, while safety regulations ensure that appropriate emergency plans are in place and the public are:
These regulations are a legal requirement and we work closely with site operators, emergency services and partner agencies to meet them, with the delivery of appropriate plans and arrangements.
The following arrangements are in place for local residents living within 3.5km of the Hinkley Point B station.
Off-site Emergency Plan Arrangements that are to be followed by emergency responders if they are addressing the consequences of an incident at the site are detailed in an ‘Off-Site Emergency Plan’. This is regularly reviewed and tested by all agencies involved to make sure it is up to date and fit for purpose.
In conjunction with Somerset West and Taunton Council and Sedgemoor District Council, we are responsible for the maintenance of these arrangements in accordance with Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Iinformation) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR)
Emergency information calendar This calendar contains important emergency actions, information and advice relevant to people living close to the site. It is distributed every year and is free of charge.
Stable iodine tablets Faults at operating nuclear reactors can release radioactive forms of iodine which can lead to radiation doses to the thyroid gland. This gland is found in the neck and concentrates iodine within the body. When taken, the tablets release stable iodine directly to the thyroid gland, thus preventing any accumulation of radioactive iodine. The tablets are highly effective if taken within a few hours of exposure to radioactive iodine.
These tablets are pre-distributed free of charge and replaced when the ‘use by’ date approaches. If wider distribution is required in the event of an emergency, this will be conducted in accordance with local arrangements.
If you are new to the area or can’t find your calendar or tablets, you can get replacements through the Stogursey Parish Clerk, Stogursey Post Office or by contacting us.
Public Health England: Nuclear Emergencies: Information for the public
Public Health England: Basic Concepts of Radiation
Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Iinformation) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR)
EDF: Hinkley Point B
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