Emergency Preparedness

Alerts are sent through several different systems. The Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), wireless emergency alerts (WEA), NOAA weather radios, and broadcasts over TV and radio are used to let you know a serious emergency is happening. Such emergencies include a nuclear accident, chemical spill, severe weather, or another dangerous condition that requires you to take action for safety. IPAWS is FEMA’s national alert warning system that delivers messages via WEA, EAS, and NOAA weather radio.

• Cell phones and other wireless devices receive IPAWS and WEA. These are text-like alerts that loudly alert your phone if the setting to receive local emergency alerts is turned on. If your wireless carrier participates in the WEA system, you will receive emergency alerts automatically. WEA messages are not charged to your wireless data plan. You may need to turn on this feature to receive the alerts. Contact your phone provider or store for assistance on how to turn these settings on.
• EAS messages are sent through local TV and radio stations. Some of the stations may experience a delay in getting emergency information out due to computerized programming or limited broadcast scheduling. Check all local stations until you find one broadcasting emergency information.
• NOAA Weather Radios will also alert and broadcast emergency information when the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Grand Rapids or Northern Indiana activates them at the request of county officials.

In addition to WEA and EAS you may also receive a phone call, e-mail, or SMS/RCS text to alert you, and provide critical information.

Vacationers and Visitors:

If you receive an emergency alert while vacationing or visiting the area, follow the instructions included in the alert. If you are outdoors, seek shelter indoors. Tune in to one of the TV or radio stations listed on page 7 of our Emergency Guide for more detailed information. Follow all directions given by park officials, deputy sheriffs, and police officers.

Boaters and Campers:

If you receive an emergency alert while boating, do not wait for further warning. Tune in to the marine channel 16 (156.8 MHz) or an area AM/FM radio station for emergency information. Mariners are encouraged to keep their radios tuned to channel 16 when on Lake Michigan to receive emergency information. Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol and United States Coast Guard will also warn boaters on Lake Michigan if there is a serious emergency. You will be told the location of safe waterways and docking areas.

If you receive an emergency alert while camping, hiking, swimming, or visiting area parks, follow all emergency instructions from park officials. At local parks, immediately tune in to an area radio station and follow instructions.

If you believe, for whatever reason, the above methods will not be able to alert you, please complete the functional needs form found on page 19 of our Emergency Guide.

Emergency Classifications

In the event of an incident at the Palisades nuclear plant, one of the following four emergency classifications will be used to describe the situation. These classifications help guide communication and response efforts by federal, state, and local authorities.

1. Notification of an Unusual Event: This is the least serious of the four emergency levels. It indicates a minor issue at the plant that is fully under control and poses no threat to the public. Due to strict federal regulations, even small problems must be reported to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and local officials.
   Public Action: None required.
2. Alert: An Alert indicates a situation that could affect plant safety. While there is still no danger to the public, emergency operations centers at the county and state levels are activated as a precaution.
   Public Action: Stay informed through official channels.
3. Site Area Emergency: This classification means an event has occurred that could potentially affect the public. Emergency notifications may be issued, and residents may be asked to monitor emergency broadcast stations for updates.
   Public Action: Listen to emergency broadcasts and follow any instructions provided.
4. General Emergency: This is the most serious classification. It indicates a significant event that poses a potential or actual threat to public safety. State and local authorities will take protective actions, which may include evacuation of certain areas. Emergency broadcast stations will provide critical information and instructions.
   Public Action: Follow official instructions immediately. Be prepared to evacuate if directed.

Radiation is energy in motion. The type of radiation we are most concerned with is called ionizing radiation— a form of energy released by radioactive materials. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to penetrate living tissue and cause physical and chemical changes within the body. Radioactive materials are naturally present all around us—in the air we breathe, the food we eat, our homes, and even within our own bodies. Exposure to radiation from these natural sources is known as background radiation. In addition to natural sources, ionizing radiation also comes from man-made sources such as:

• Medical treatments and diagnostic tools (e.g., X-rays)
• Consumer electronics (e.g., older TV sets)
• Nuclear power plants

Radiation exposure is measured in units called millirems. On average, a person receives about 620 millirems per year from both background and medical sources. Of this, natural sources contribute more than nuclear power, which adds only a very small amount to our overall exposure.

1. After you read this Emergency Information Guide, please share it with your family or co-workers. Then display it where you can find it quickly when you need it.
2. Keep the following items together in a safe, easy-to-get-to place:
   • Emergency cash
   • Important papers
   • First-aid kit
   • Extra Keys
   • Prescription medicines
   • Checkbook
   • Debit cards
   • Portable radio
   • Extra batteries
   • Flashlight
   • Pet supplies
   • Credit cards
   • Personal identification
   • Potassium Iodide (KI) if obtained in advance
3. Make a list of personal instructions that you, your family, or co-workers will need to follow in an emergency. Keep a list of supplies you may need with the instructions. Include on your supply list the items in step 2 above and the evacuation supplies listed on page 5 of the EP guide (also listed farther down in this website).
4. Keep your vehicle in good running order. Fill your gas tank whenever it gets below half. If you do not have a car or do not have someone to drive you in an emergency, fill out a Functional needs form. Mail that card right away. You do not need a stamp.
5. If you know people who have functional needs, make sure they mail in a Functional Needs card. This may include anyone with vision or hearing impairments, physical or mental disabilities, or someone who has no means of transportation. Please help them fill out the Functional Needs card and return it right away. We have an emergency team ready to help people reach safety. If you know someone who is vision impaired or has difficulty reading, please assist them with the information in this guide. Help display it in a visible location if others need it to assist the person with functional needs.

During an emergency, it is very important that everyone stays safe. If you or someone you know has a functional need such as vision or hearing impairments, physical or mental disabilities, no means of transportation or ability to be alerted, please inform the County by filling out the Functional Needs Emergency Information Card found on page 19 of our Emergency Guide and mail it right away.

• Your functional needs information will be kept confidential.
• Each person needing assistance, even if living together at the same address, should fill out a card to notify us of each person’s needs.
• If you know someone with a functional need, volunteer to help them in an emergency. This is especially important if that person lives within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone. If this is not practical, please discuss and/or assist them in filling out the Functional Needs Emergency Information Card.

Tune to one of these radio or TV stations for emergency information. All call letters are accurate at the time of printing. All stations are on the air for 24 hours. Check your cable or satellite provider for your channel lineup.

Radio

AM

• WHFB 1060
• WSJM 1400
• WNIL 1290
• WKZO 590

FM

• WCSY 103.7
• WCXT 98.3
• WYTZ 99.9
• WIRX 107.1
• WAUS 90.7
• WKFR 103.3
• WAOR 95.3
• WSJM 94.9

TV

• WWMT Ch. 3
• WSJV Ch 28
• WOOD Ch. 8
• WBND Ch 57
• WMDU Ch 16
• WSBT Ch 22

• Stay calm. Panic can make the situation worse.
• Do not evacuate unless authorities issue an official order.
• Remain indoors and shelter in place.
• Secure your home:
  • Close all windows and doors.
  • Turn off fans, air conditioners, and ventilation systems.
  • Bring pets inside.
• Stay informed. Listen to local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio stations for official updates and instructions.
• If your building has a basement, take a radio and shelter there.
• If you must go outside (e.g., to warn a friend or family member), limit your time outdoors. You may be advised to cover your mouth and nose with a cloth.
• Use the telephone only when absolutely necessary to keep lines open for emergency communication

• Stay calm. There would be no need to rush. You are more likely to get hurt by rushing than by exposure to radiation
  • Listen to local new stations for official information. If you are in the evacuation area, follow the instructions provided, including designated evacuation routes. Do not call 911 unless you have an emergency.
• Gather essential items:
  • A change of clothing
  • Two blankets or a sleeping bag per person
  • Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste)
  • Medical supplies (first-aid kit, medications, prescriptions)
  • Baby formula or special food, if needed
  • Pet supplies
• Plan for your pets:
  • Reception centers typically only accept service animals.
  • Make arrangements for other pets to stay with friends, family, or a pet-friendly hotel outside the evacuation area. Bring your emergency pet kit, including:
    • Food and water
    • Bowls
    • Medications
    • Leashes and ID tags
    • Veterinary records
• Prepare your home before leaving:
  • Turn off small appliances and faucets
  • Turn down the furnace (if on) and switch off the furnace fan
  • Turn off all air conditioners and fans
  • Lock all windows and doors
• Evacuate safely:
  • Get into your vehicle and go directly to a designated Reception Center. Locations will be announced via EAS radio stations.
  • Follow official evacuation routes
  • Register at the Reception Center so family and friends know where you are
  • After registering, you may go to stay with friends or family outside the affected area

Remember, if there was an emergency at Palisades, you would be given plenty of time to take needed action.

Evacuation routes would be announced on TV and radio stations. First responders would help direct traffic during an evacuation. If you have room in your car, take neighbors or friends who need a ride. During your absence, law enforcement would make sure your property was protected. Only authorized people would be allowed in the evacuated area.

Where To Go

If an Evacuation is ordered, you should follow the routes announced on local TV and radio. The actions you should take would depend on the nature of the emergency and the weather. You should drive to your Reception Center. Possible Reception Centers include:

Allegan County

Fennville High School
4 S. Memorial Dr.
Fennville, MI 49408

Otsego High School
550 Washington St
Otsego, MI 49078

Berrien County

Berrien Springs Middle School
502 Middle School Drive
Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Van Buren County

Gobles High School
4409 N State St.
Gobles, MI 49055

Paw Paw Middle School
313 W. Michigan Ave
Paw Paw, MI 49079

If You Need a Ride

• Check with Neighbors:
  • See if a neighbor can give you a ride.
• If No Ride is Available:
  • Stay inside your home.
  • Close all doors, windows, and air vents.
  • Send an email to PalisadesPublicInfo@holtec.com and continue to listen to news stations for instructions on those needing a ride.

Evacuation for Functional Needs Populations

1. Congregate Care Centers: In an emergency, individuals with functional needs will be evacuated by emergency workers to temporary shelters known as congregate care centers.
2. Hospital or Special Care Facility Residents: If you’re in a hospital or special care facility, your transfer will be handled through that facility’s emergency plan.
3. If You Live Independently and Need Help:
   • Complete the informational questionnaire located on page 19 of the Emergency plan guide.
   • Mail it to the address listed on the form.
   • This ensures emergency workers know you may need assistance during an evacuation.

What to Do If Your Children Are in School During an Emergency

1. Go to the Temporary Host Facility
   • Each school has a designated relocation site where students will be taken by bus.
   • Use only the roads specified by emergency authorities.
2. School Relocation Sites:
   • South Haven School District —> Fennville (formerly Anna Michen) Middle School
   • Covert School District —> Hartford High School
   • Bangor School District —> Bloomingdale High School
   • Watervliet School District —> Saint Joseph High School
   • Coloma School District —> Lakeshore High School
3. After Reuniting: Parents and students may choose to stay at a congregate care center or with friends and family until the emergency is over.

After a radiological emergency, do not eat food from your personal garden unless public health officials say it is safe. Radiation can settle on plants, fruits, and vegetables—even if they look normal. Food safety decisions are based on protective action guidelines (PAGs) developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These guidelines help determine when locally grown food may be unsafe to eat. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will provide instructions based on these federal standards.

Farmers, food processors and distributors could face serious financial losses following a radiological emergency. However, federal law ensures that such losses will be reimbursed. The Price-Anderson Act, enacted by Congress in 1957, requires that the operators of nuclear power plants and certain other nuclear facilities purchase nuclear liability insurance policies for the protection of the public. As a result, no-fault insurance pools are in place to pay claims promptly without lengthy court hearings. Claimants need only prove that the injury or property damage resulted from the radiological emergency.

Commercial insurance policies exclude coverage for nuclear accidents because Price-Anderson’s provisions make such coverage unnecessary.

The term “contamination” means, quite simply, radioactive material where it is not supposed to be. Food, water or air is considered to be contaminated if it contains more or different types of radioactive material than would normally be present. Our bodies, for example, contain very small amounts of the radioactive elements potassium 40, carbon 14 and tritium. However, we are not considered to be contaminated because these elements exist within us naturally. On the other hand, the presence of strontium 90 (a byproduct of nuclear weapons testing) in food, water or air may be indicative of contamination.

“Radiation” refers to the particles and waves given off by radioactive material. The radiation given off by contaminants could be considered harmful if the levels are high enough and the exposure lasts long enough.

How Contamination Can Occur
Dust-sized radioactive particles released into the air during an incident could fall on fruits, vegetables or grains which could enter the food supply and be eaten by the public.

The State of Michigan is responsible for evaluating the severity of a nuclear emergency and ordering actions to protect the public and the food supply. If you live within 10 miles of the Holtec Palisades Plant, your first warning may be an alert issued by local authorities. If you are notified, turn your radio or TV on and tune it to a local station for immediate information transmitted through the Emergency Alert System (EAS). If you live farther away, your first notification could come from the news media or EAS broadcasts. Subsequent orders, information, and advisories specific to the agriculture sector will be announced through the news media. You may contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development directly if you have questions about agriculture in a real or potential emergency.

Following an accidental release of radioactive material, emergency workers from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development will collect air, water, and soil samples to determine the existence, amount, and location of any contamination. Samples of milk, forage, crops, and processed foods may also be obtained. Field data and other factors will be used by the state to determine the best course of action to protect the public and the food supply.

Because naturally occurring radioactive materials can always be found in the environment, Holtec Palisades and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy conduct a continuous program of sample air, water, milk, vegetation, and animal life near the Holtec Palisades Plant. In this way, they are able to establish a baseline for comparison in the event of an emergency.

The area designated for post-accident environmental sampling could extend as far as 50 miles from the plant site. Specific instructions regarding the collection and testing process will be made available to farmers, food processors and distributors in the affected area by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.

If you are told to take shelter because of an emergency at a nuclear power plant, limit your outdoor activities as much as possible. Refer to earlier portions of this brochure for specific actions you and your family should take for personal protection. Steps to protect the food supply are different and are outlined previously in this website and in the corresponding section of the brochure.

If you live within ten miles of the Palisades Power Plant, you could be evacuated from the area in an emergency. If you must leave your animals, be sure to leave enough water and feed to sustain them until they can be cared for again. You may be permitted, at the direction of the state, to reenter the evacuated area temporarily to tend to the needs of your farm. You will receive specific instructions on routes to use, safety precautions, and decontamination procedures. Your Cooperative Extension Service agent will be able to provide animal health and feeding guidance.

It is essential that priority be given to protecting dairy animals because radioactive materials can quickly enter the food chain through milk and other dairy products. If sheltering is required, shelter these animals first.

Shelter livestock in covered barns or sheds unless extremely hot weather or other factors make this impossible. Provide your animals stored feed such as hay, silage and bagged grain. Whenever possible, animals should be provided water drawn from wells. Open sources such as ponds, creeks, or rivers should be avoided if possible. These protective measures would minimize the amount of radioactive material available to the animals. Since evacuation of farm animals would not normally be possible after a nuclear accident, sheltering and the use of stored feed and well water are the most effective means of limiting contamination.

Poultry are more resistant to radioactive contamination than other farm animals. Since most are raised in confined facilities and receive stored feed and well water, they can be sheltered in their existing structures. If your poultry animals are normally kept outdoors, they should be brought inside if possible. Eggshells provide natural protection from contamination. Generally, eggs will be safe to eat after the shells are washed to remove surface contaminants.

Contaminated Feed

Only in extreme emergencies may contaminated grain or hay be used for feed. If you must use feed which has been identified as contaminated, you may be able to reduce the level of contamination. For example, if the feed was stored outside, the contamination may be greatest at or near the surface of the feed pile. Removal of the top portion may greatly reduce the amount of contamination present.

Do not dispose of contaminated feed or hay because it may be salvageable over time. You should, however, keep it separated from noncontaminated feed supplies and animals so that the contamination is not spread. Contact your Cooperative Extension Service agent for guidance.

If animals have been exposed to radioactive particles carried by winds or rain from the accident site, they should be washed with uncontaminated water before being brought into a shelter.

Contaminated Milk and Other Farm Products

If particles of radioactive material are present in large amounts, you may be advised not to use, consume, or sell garden produce or animal products until the environment and food products are sampled and assessed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. The presence of contamination may not mean that all of your crops will be lost.

Do not destroy food or feed unless spoilage has made it inedible. Generally, contaminated products may be salvageable after adequate time passes and they are properly processed. Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development can provide specific information.

Water Supplies

Store as much water as possible for livestock. Cover open wells, tanks and other storage containers to prevent or limit contamination. Close off the intakes from contaminated water sources (ponds, streams or cisterns) to prevent circulation of contaminated water. Generally, water from wells and water heaters should be safe to use.

Unless the soil is highly permeable, contaminants deposited on the ground will normally travel very slowly into the aquifer. Contaminants may fall directly onto the surfaces of lakes or rivers where they can infiltrate groundwater supplies. Streams and lake currents can transport contaminants many miles in a few hours.

Fish and Marine Life

Fish and other marine life raised in ponds, or taken from rivers, streams, or lakes may have been contaminated. Don’t eat local fish until the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy have determined it is safe.

Crops in the Field

Standing crops should generally be allowed to grow to maturity. The level of radiation exposure to plants that is likely to occur will not affect their growth. Most contaminants will be washed off or will diminish in strength naturally to safe levels during the growing process. If special harvesting procedures are necessary, the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development will advise you.

Pasture and forage plants usually retain very little radioactive material deposited on them. The extent to which they collect and retain contaminants depends on the amount and type of contaminants involved, foliage characteristics and the amount of rain and wind occurring after the accident.

Fruits and Vegetables in the Field

Unprotected plants may have particles of contaminants on their surfaces. Leaves, pods and fruits should be washed, brushed, scrubbed or peeled before eating. Some leafy vegetables may be eaten after removal of the outer layers and a thorough washing.

Ripe fruit and vegetables may be lost through spoilage if high levels of contamination prevent the entry of field workers to harvest them. Those that do not need to be harvested immediately may possibly be salvaged later when the area has been determined to be safe for harvesting.

Honey and Apiary Products

Honey and bee hives may be sources of contamination if radioactive contamination is detected in the area. Honey and bee hives will be sampled and analyzed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development if contamination is apparent.

Roots and Tubers

Potatoes, carrots and similar plants can generally be eaten after they are thoroughly washed and peeled to remove soil particles and contaminants.

Other Plants or Wildlife

Wild plants, such as native herbs, mushrooms, dandelion greens, spearmint, peppermint, or wintergreen may have particles of contamination on their surfaces. They should be washed, brushed, scrubbed, or peeled before eating.

Wild game, such as deer, rabbit, squirrel, pheasant, or partridge, may have ingested contaminants through their normal browse. You may be advised by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development not to consume wild game until it has been sampled and assessed as safe.

Weather and Time Play a Part

All radioactive materials lose their radioactivity over time. Inert gases released from commercial nuclear plants lose their radioactivity in a matter of minutes, for example. Wind or heavy rain tend to remove radioactive material rapidly from plant surfaces. In some cases, however, hard rain falling on contaminated soil could splash the soil onto plant surfaces, thus increasing the amount of radioactive material on lowstanding plants.

Soil Recovery

Several steps may be taken to restore soils contaminated in an accident. Nonuse for a period of time may be required. In a worst-case situation, heavily contaminated soil may require removal and disposal elsewhere. Such a drastic action may not be feasible for large fields but may be appropriate for small plots or areas such as walkways near buildings where frequent human contact is likely. In less severe situations, fiber crops may be planted instead of fruits and vegetables. Deep plowing may be employed to keep radioactive contaminants below the root zone while the radioactivity decays over time. Liming may be used to limit the absorption of specific radioactive elements by crops. The Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide farmers with guidance as to the best means of restoring valuable soils to productive use.

Food Processors and Distributors

Following a radiological emergency, governmental officials may restrict the movement of food products and withhold them from the marketplace if they are found to be contaminated. These products should not be released until they are considered to be safe for consumption, or until a decision has been made to dispose of them. You will be instructed how to safely handle and dispose of contaminated food products by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.

For more information to Farmers, Food Processors, and Distributors, consult our pamphlet or contact your Cooperative Extension Service.

Below is a list of cooperative extension service offices near the Holtec Palisades Plant:

Van Buren County
(269) 657-8213
57418 County Road Suit A
Hartford, MI 49057

Allegan County
(269) 673-0370 Ext: 3255
122nd Avenue
Allegan, MI 49010

Berrien County
(269) 944-4126
1737 Hillandale Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022