Should a major emergency occur at Cooper Nuclear Station, sirens will sound a steady tone for three to five minutes which will alert you to turn on your radio or television set for information. Rural residents will be alerted when your NOAA/EAS radios automatically turn on.

If an emergency occurs at Cooper Nuclear Station, the station will immediately notify state, federal and county officials.

Local and state officials will use an alert and notification system to inform residents within a 10-mile radius of Cooper Nuclear Station that an emergency exists.

The alert and notification system is made up of sirens, located in populated areas, and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Emergency Alert System (EAS) radios, located in rural residences which are outside the effective hearing range of the sirens.

Information will be broadcast over the local radio and television stations which form the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in this area.

The siren system is tested twice every month. The NOAA/EAS radios are tested weekly (usually Wednesday mornings at 11:15) whenever the local NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter sends a test message.

It is important for you to know that this alert notification system has more than one use. It can also be used by local officials to warn of other emergencies, such as fire or severe weather. Listen to your EAS radio station for emergency information.

Emergency preparedness efforts are divided between Cooper Nuclear Station, private organizations and governmental agencies. The purpose is to protect the health and safety of the public and Cooper Nuclear Station employees in the event of an emergency.

Federal regulations and the Cooper Nuclear Station emergency plans direct that special attention should be given to people within a 10-mile radius of the plant. This 10-mile radius is called the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). Cooper Nuclear Station’s EPZ includes portions of Nemaha and Richardson Counties in Nebraska, and portions of Atchison County in Missouri.

If an emergency occurred at Cooper Nuclear Station, it is unlikely that everyone in the 10-mile radius would be affected. It would depend on the type of accident and on weather conditions such as wind direction and speed. Because of this, it is important that you locate where you live on the enclosed map (page 1) AND pay close attention to information broadcast over your EAS network station. You will be instructed to take protective actions ONLY if it is necessary for your safety.

Remember, the sirens and NOAA/EAS Radios are only to alert you to tune in to your local emergency alert system radio or television station for information and instructions. This station will give you information about what to do.

Check on your friends and neighbors who might need assistance. Share this information with them.

There are two simple steps you can take to provide protection for yourself and your family from being exposed to radiation. These are staying indoors (in-house shelter) or leaving the area (evacuation). State or county officials will recommend what you should do.

In-house shelter
This means going indoors and staying there until the emergency has passed. If you are told to go indoors, there are things you need to do when inside:

1. Stay tuned to your EAS radio station for instructions.
2. Do not use your telephone unless it is absolutely necessary. Leave the lines open for official emergency business.
3. Stay indoors until you are told that it is safe to go out.

In the event you are in the affected area you should:

4. Close all windows and doors. Turn off fans, furnaces, or air conditioning that require outside air. Close any other outside air intakes.
5. Cover all open food containers.
6. Wash your hands and face, particularly before handling or eating any food. If possible, take a shower using lukewarm water. Change any item of clothing worn outside.

Evacuation
If your area must be evacuated, you will be told by radio, television or directly by an authorized person.

You will be asked to leave the area ONLY if it is necessary for your safety. There should be enough time for orderly actions.

Keep the following in mind:

1. Remain calm. You are far more likely to be hurt acting in haste than you are by radioactivity.
2. Gather personal items you may need: Clothing, toiletries, bedding (sleeping bags), eyeglasses, credit cards, prescription medicines/medical supplies, flashlight, radio and batteries.
3. Care for pets and livestock, providing food, water and shelter if possible.
4. Turn off all small appliances and lock all doors and windows when leaving.
5. Drive safely, using evacuation routes on the map on page 1. Follow any instructions given by traffic control officers. If you become stranded, raise your hood to signal that you have a problem.
6. Keep the windows and vents of your vehicle closed while traveling within a 10-mile radius of the plant.
7. Keep your car radio on and tuned to your local EAS station.
8. Go directly to the reception center. There will be help for you to find food and lodging. Sign in at the center even if you do not intend to stay there, so that local officials can answer any inquiries about your welfare.

Remember to:

1. Listen to EAS Radio station
2. Close windows and doors
3. Help your neighbor
4. Sign in at Reception Center

Schools in an area being evacuated will close and children will be cared for according to the school district’s emergency plan.

All school emergency plans provide for the following:

If an incident occurs before school opens and the buses have not started their routes, the school will not open and children will stay with their families.

If school is in session, or the buses have started their routes, the school will act as a UNIT. If evacuation is directed, all students, faculty and staff will leave the area using all available buses and private vehicles as directed by school officials.

School actions, including locations of evacuated school children, will be broadcast over the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

Missouri
Persons in need of transportation should call the Emergency Operations Center:

Atchison County
(660) 744-5360

Nebraska
Disabled persons in need of transportation should call the county Emergency Management Director’s office:

Nemaha County
(402) 274-2552

Richardson County
(402) 245-3054

Able-bodied residents of Peru, Brownville, Nemaha, Shubert and Barada without private transportation should go to the closest public transportation area.

They are:

In Peru
   The library of Peru State College

In Brownville
   The Brownville Post Office

In Nemaha
   The Nemaha Rural Fire District Station

In Shubert
   The Community Building

Able-bodied rural residents who do not have private transportation should call the county sheriff’s office.

*Arrangements have been made for residents of special care facilities.

Should an evacuation be directed for all or any part of the 10-mile emergency planning zone in Nebraska, you would evacuate to either Falls City or Nebraska City. Specific information will be given on EAS radio and television. Evacuation routes are shown on the map and listed in the accompanying protective action area information.

Reception center locations:

Falls City

Falls City Middle School
14th & Morton Streets

Nebraska City

Nebraska City Middle School
1st Corso and 9th Street

When you get to a reception center, please sign in even if you don’t need assistance in finding food and lodging. This will help officials answer inquiries about your welfare.

Missouri

Should an evacuation be directed for all or any part of the 10-mile emergency planning zone in Missouri, you would evacuate east to Maryville. Specific information will be given on EAS radio and television. The primary evacuation route will be U.S. Highway 136 East to Maryville.

Reception center location:

Maryville

Lamkin Gymnasium
4th Street & Ray Ave.

Northwest Missouri State University

Since there will be no public sheltering in Atchison County, all persons are urged to sign in at the center even if you don’t need assistance in finding food and lodging. This will help officials answer inquiries about your welfare.

_____ Clothing and shoes

_____ Personal hygiene items (washing, shaving, dental, sanitary needs)

_____ Children and infant supplies (bottles, diapers, baby food, formula, toys)

_____ Medical needs (prescription drugs, eyeglasses, dentures, first-aid items, special diet foods)

_____ Bedding (sleeping bags, blankets, pillows)

_____ Credit cards, cash, checkbook

_____ Identification and important papers

_____ Flashlight, batteries, portable radio

_____ The map provided with this information for evacuation routes and instructions

_____ Shelter pets and leave them food and water if possible.

Important Phone Numbers
Sheriff:
School:
Others:

My protective action area/subarea:
My evacuation route:

My reception center:
Miscellaneous notes:

Remember, the sirens and NOAA/EAS Radios are only to alert you to tune in to your local emergency alert system radio or television station for information and instructions. Please don't jump to conclusions. If the sirens are sounded and radios are activated due to an emergency at Cooper Nuclear Station, evacuation may not be necessary or desirable. The first information you receive may tell you that your area is not affected or that you should stay indoors. In any event, you will be advised on what to do.

Other Protective Actions

If there is radioactive material in the air, state officials may recommend that you cover your mouth and nose. A large cotton handkerchief can be a good air filter. The handkerchief should be folded into several layers, and placed over mouth and nose. A bath towel folded into two layers is almost as good. It is important that you have a proper fit over your mouth and nose.

If necessary, information will be broadcast over the local radio and television stations which form the Emergency Alert System.

What do I do if directed to stay indoors?

You should go indoors and remain there until the emergency has passed. Once inside, you should:

1. Stay tuned to your EAS radio station for instructions.
2. Do not use your telephone unless it is absolutely necessary.
3. Stay indoors until you are told that it is safe to go out.

In the event you are in the affected area, you should:

4. Close all windows and doors. Turn off fans, furnaces, or air conditioning that require outside air. Close any other outside air intakes.
5. Cover all open food containers.
6. Wash your hands and face, particularly before handling or eating food. If possible, take a shower using cool or lukewarm water. Wash any item of clothing worn outside.

What do I do if directed to evacuate?

If your area must be evacuated, you will be told by radio, television or directly by an authorized person. Keep the following in mind:

1. Remain calm. Evacuation is a precautionary move and there should be enough time for orderly actions.
2. Gather personal items you may need (see checklist).
3. Care for pets and livestock, providing food, water and shelter, if possible.
4. Turn off all small appliances and lock all doors and windows when leaving. Check on your friends and neighbors who might need assistance.
5. Drive safely, using evacuation routes on map. Follow any instructions given by traffic control officers. If you become stranded, raise your hood to signal that you have a problem.
6. Keep the windows and vents of your vehicle closed while traveling within a 10-mile radius of the plant.
7. Keep your car radio on and tuned to your local EAS station.

Go directly to the reception center. There will be help for you to find food and lodging. Sign in at the center, so that local officials can answer inquiries about your welfare.

Note: Arrangements have been made for residents of special-care facilities.

What if my children are in school?

If an area is being evacuated, schools will close and children will be cared for according to the school district's emergency plan.

If school is not open, and the buses have not started their routes, children will stay with their families.

If school is in session, or buses have started their routes, the school will act as a UNIT. All students, faculty and staff will evacuate using all available buses and private vehicles as directed by school officials.

School actions, including locations of evacuated school children, will be broadcast over the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

You may be directed to shelter your animals.

1. Give special attention to dairy cattle.
2. Use stored feed and water.

If the area is affected by radioactive material, state and federal officials will inspect your crops, gardens and livestock and test for contamination.

For more details contact your county extension agent:

Atchison County (660) 744-6231
Nemaha County (402) 274-4755
Richardson County (402) 245-4324

Radiation is energy given off by radioactive materials. There is nothing new or mysterious about radiation. It has always been part of our world. We are constantly exposed to radiation from the sun and outer space. Natural radioactive materials are present in the earth around us, in the buildings we live in and in our food and water. There are radioactive gases in the air we breathe and our bodies themselves are radioactive.

People receive different amounts of this natural radiation depending upon where they live. Persons living in Denver, for example, receive double the amount of cosmic radiation as we do in this part of the country. That’s because of Denver’s higher altitude.

We are also exposed to man-made sources of radiation. For more than half a century, doctors and scientists have used X-rays and other forms of radiation. Medical exams and treatment are our main sources of exposure to man-made radiation. Although it could be harmful in large amounts, this radiation has saved hundreds of thousands of lives.

A nuclear power plant is also a source of man-made radiation, although in normal operations the amount reaching the environment is so small it is insignificant.

The effect radiation has on the human body depends upon energy of the rays or particles striking the body; the length of time exposed to the radiation; how much of the body is exposed to the radiation; and the amount of the radioactive material inhaled or ingested.

Because of this, nuclear power plants are designed and built to contain radioactivity (keep it inside) and prevent it from reaching the environment, both during normal operation and in case of an accident. This contain-and-prevent concept has worked.

You cannot see or smell radiation, but it can be detected, accurately and easily, with the aid of instruments designed for that purpose. Highly trained technicians using these instruments are continually checking radiation in and around Cooper Nuclear Station. Should a nuclear incident occur, they will check all areas that might be affected. State health officials will study this information and tell you what actions to take.

Depending upon the amount of radioactive elements released during an accident into the atmosphere and weather conditions, people, animals, crops, land, and water near the plant could be affected. The first concern will be the condition of fresh milk from dairy animals grazing on pasture and drinking from open water sources. Sampling for contamination can occur at the farm, the transfer station, or the processing plant. If contamination is verified, State officials will determine whether to dispose of these products or to hold them until safe for consumption.

A later concern will be the possible contamination of vegetables, grains, fruits, and nuts. The severity of the impact of the contamination will depend on the time of the year. The time immediately prior to or during harvest is the most critical period. Crops will be sampled and analyzed by government officials to ensure they are safe to use.

Another concern will be the possible impact of contamination on livestock and poultry. Pasture, feed and water sources, as well as, meat and poultry products will be sampled and analyzed to ensure their safety.

Contamination of drinking water is not likely to be a problem. If it occurs it will probably affect only surface water and not ground wells or underground water sources. The safety of water will be determined by sampling public and private sources. If land becomes contaminated, soil management techniques can be implemented to reduce contamination of crops grown on the land. The procedures recommended will depend on the severity of contamination and the specific crops grown. Consuming contaminated foods, milk and water could have a harmful, long-term effect on your health.

Emergency planning

State emergency response organizations are prepared to tell the agricultural community what actions to take in the event of an emergency.

There are two types of protective actions that will help to lessen the possibility of persons consuming contaminated food or water:

Preventive protective actions. Actions to prevent or minimize contamination of milk and food products. An example would be washing, scrubbing, peeling, or shelling nuts, fruits and vegetables to remove surface contamination.

Emergency protective actions. Actions to isolate or contain food to prevent its introduction into commerce and to determine whether condemnation or other action is appropriate. An example, would be to restrict or withhold (embargo) agricultural products from the marketplace by prohibiting transportation from the affected areas.

Protective actions for the food supply

The following are examples of protective actions that may be recommended to the agricultural community by State officials. All protective action recommendations will be tailored for the specific locations affected.

Milk. Remove dairy animals from pasture; shelter if possible, and provide them with protected feed and water. State officials may come to your farm to take milk, feed, and water samples for laboratory analysis to determine if contamination has occurred. If dairy products are contaminated, it may be recommended that milk and milk products be withheld from the market. It is possible, however, for milk products contaminated with certain radioactive elements to be safe for human consumption after storage for a period of time. This allows for radioactive decay to occur. You will be told by State officials what actions to take.

Fruits and vegetables. Wash, scrub, peel, or shell, locally grown nuts, fruits and vegetables, including roots and tubers, to remove surface contamination. Some methods of food preservation that allow time for radioactive decay are effective. Contact your county extension office for more information.

Meat products. If there is a release of radioactive elements to the environment, you may be told to place meat animals on protected feed and water and, if possible, provide them with shelter. If livestock consume feed and water contaminated with radioactive elements, some of the contamination will be absorbed into their bodies and could then enter the human food supply through meat and meat products. Even if livestock consume radioactive materials, over a period of time the animals may eliminate the material or the radioactivity may decay to a point where the animal may be useable for food.

Poultry products. Poultry raised outdoors, especially those kept for egg production, should be monitored by sampling and testing to determine the presence of radioactive contamination. If contamination is verified, State officials may advise that poultry and eggs not be eaten until the contamination is eliminated or decays to a safe level.

Fish and marine life. Fish and other marine life raised in ponds may continue to be harvested unless appropriate State officials have determined through laboratory testing that they are contaminated. Samples of water, fish and marine life from larger bodies of water will also be analyzed to ensure they are safe.

Soils. If officials find the soil contaminated, certain soil management procedures can be implemented to reduce contamination to safe levels. Idling or non use of the land for a specific period of time, may be necessary. Soil removal and disposal of the soil may also be appropriate. In some situations, planting alternative crops may also be recommended. State officials will tell you what actions to take.

Grains. If grains are permitted to grow to maturity, most contamination will be removed by wind and rain. Milling or polishing will remove any remaining contamination. Sampling and laboratory testing will determine if the grain is safe to use. When harvesting, remember to store possibly contaminated and uncontaminated grain separately.

Water. Open sources of water should be protected. Cover open rain barrels, wells and tanks to prevent contamination. It is unlikely that underground water supplies will be affected. Filler pipes should be disconnected from storage containers that are supplied by runoff from roofs or other surface drain fields. This prevents contaminants from entering the storage containers. Close water intake valves from any contaminated water source to prevent distribution (e.g., irrigation) of contaminants.

Honey. Honey and bee hives need to be sampled and tested by State officials. If radioactive contamination is found in the area, you will be told what to do.

Food processors and distributors

Radioactive contamination of milk or food products in an affected area can occur during processing, or during transportation. This results from contact with radioactive materials on the ground or in the air. Following an accident, officials may restrict the movement of food products and withhold them from the market if they are found to be contaminated. These products will not be used until they are safe for consumption, or until a decision is made to dispose of them. You will be told how to safely handle and dispose of contaminated food products.

Post-emergency actions

The following are post-emergency actions that will occur if contamination is verified.

Reentry. Reentry is necessary only if an area has been evacuated. Reentry is the entry, under controlled conditions, into a restricted, contaminated area. If you have been evacuated from your area, you will be allowed to return when conditions permit. State officials will tell you through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) or other official means when reentry is allowed. You will receive specific instructions on routes to use and precautions to take. Temporary reentry may be allowed to perform vital activities such as milking, watering, and feeding of pets and farm animals until permanent, unrestricted return can be allowed.

Recovery. Recovery is the process of reducing radiation in the environment to acceptable levels. Following the emergency, State officials will give you instructions and assist you in decontaminating your animals, food, and property if these actions are necessary. State officials will determine whether condemnation and disposal of food is appropriate.

A nuclear power reactor is a device for the controlled fission of nuclear fuel. It has everything necessary to split an atom and put it to work.

Cooper Nuclear Station uses a ‘‘Boiling Water Reactor’’ or BWR, manufactured by General Electric Company. The fuel, uranium dioxide, is in pellets about the size and shape of cigarette filters. These are stacked in sealed metal tubes about 12 feet long. Bundled together, these fuel rods make up a fuel assembly. These assemblies, or bundles, are carefully arranged to form the fuel core of the reactor.

This core is inside a thick-walled steel tank. Water in this tank circulates freely around the fuel rods, which work much like the heating elements in an electric water heater. The water boils as it is heated by the splitting atoms and leaves the tank as steam. The steam goes through pipes to the turbine-generator to make electricity.

Operation of the reactor is controlled by rods which contain a neutron-absorbing substance. These control rods absorb neutrons much as a blotter soaks up ink. When the rods are inserted among the fuel assemblies, neutrons are absorbed and the nuclear fission process can be slowed or even stopped. As the rods are withdrawn more neutrons are available to split atoms, allowing a controlled chain reaction to begin and the amount of heat produced to increase. The nuclear fission process also is controlled by circulating large amounts of water through the reactor core.

The nuclear power reactor in short, can be compared to a furnace in a fossil-fuel plant. Instead of producing steam by burning coal, it is done with fuel rods heated by nuclear fission. Everything used in the design of conventional boilers applies here also.

Energy given off by radioactive materials. There are four types of radiation:
Alpha - The nucleus of a helium atom. It is the least penetrating type easily stopped by a sheet of paper.
Beta - A high speed electron. It occurs during fission and can be stopped by thin cardboard.
Gamma - Similar to an X-ray and can be stopped by heavy shielding such as lead or concrete.