Jan. 07, 2008

The latest version of the Indian Point Community Emergency Guide is being mailed out starting today to Westchester residents and businesses within the ten mile Emergency Planning Zone around the nuclear power plants. The booklet includes an updated map that lists evacuation routes, reception centers, bus routes and critical information about school relocation.

County Executive Andy Spano urges residents to immediately take the time to read the booklet, complete the planning process steps and then place the booklet in a handy, safe place for quick reference during an emergency.

“This booklet contains everything a family needs to know about emergency procedures if something happens at Indian Point. It is a must-read for every person within the ten mile zone.” You can view and download the booklet, a message from County Executive Andy Spano and planning card for residents to use,  introduction to emergency planning and the emergency planning map.

Spanish versions: booklet, message, introduction and map.

The booklet reflects the county’s updated emergency planning practice that divides the ten mile zone into easy-to-recognize areas by municipality. It eliminates what were known as Emergency Response Planning Areas, or ERPAs, that were designed by FEMA and were often confusing to residents.

“Everyone knows what town they live or work in, but nobody knew what ERPA they were in,” said Spano. “This booklet reflects good planning practice by eliminating many confusing terms and using community boundaries when directing people to take protective action. In an emergency, it is vital that everyone immediately understands the directions if areas need to be evacuated or sheltered.”

If there were an emergency at Indian Point, county officials would evaluate the plant and weather conditions. Based on the circumstances, they could decide to blow the sirens to alert the public to turn on the radio or TV for important information on what they should do. The list of these emergency alert broadcast stations is found in the booklet.

The booklet describes what residents should pack in a household emergency kit if they are told to remain at home during an emergency and a “go bag” if they need to evacuate.

“Now is the time to plan ahead and prepare your family,” said Tony Sutton, Commissioner of Emergency Services. “And make sure everyone in your home knows to turn on the television or radio in an emergency and listen to instructions from public officials.”
“This process prepares families for many emergencies, not just those that might occur at Indian Point.,” Sutton said. “It is all-hazards preparation.”

The new guide contains a number of updates, including changes to the General Population Reception Centers, and a list of places in Westchester where you can pick up potassium iodide (KI). KI protects the thyroid from radioactive iodide, which could be released in an accident at a nuclear power plant.

Additional copies of the booklet in English can be obtained by calling the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services at (914) 231-1850. Spanish copies of the booklet will soon be distributed with the assistance of the county’s Office of Hispanic Affairs to community-based organizations within the ten mile zone. Copies of the guide in English and Spanish will also be available on-line by the end of January, by logging onto www.westchestergov.com/keepingsafe, and clicking on Indian Point on the drop down menu.