Thursday, March 17, 2011

Did You Know?

According to the United States Department of Energy, nuclear power plants provide approximately 20 percent of the country’s overall power production. In Florida, nuclear power accounts for approximately 15 percent of the state’s total electric capacity.

Nuclear power plants are rigorously monitored by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. To meet federal requirements, each facility undergoes frequent emergency preparedness drills. State and local governments also provide additional oversight, and both scheduled and unannounced inspections are conducted throughout the year. Nuclear power facilities must also have a detailed emergency plan available for those who live, work, visit, or attend school within 10 miles of the facility.

Each of the three nuclear power facilities within the Sunshine State have heavily fortified reactor containment buildings that are designed to withstand flooding and a storm surge of 20 feet above sea level. In 1992, this design was tested when Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant safely withstood the storm surge and winds from Hurricane Andrew, a Category 5 hurricane.

For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A
PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org.

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