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Arkansas Nuclear One Emergency Planning
This website is provided for your use in an emergency. While the information contained in this website is mainly for use should an emergency occur at Arkansas Nuclear One, much of the material may be useful in other emergencies such as chemical spills, tornados or floods. This information was prepared by the Arkansas Department of Health, Nuclear Planning and Response Program in conjunction with Entergy Operations, Inc. and officials of Conway, Johnson, Logan, Pope and Yell Counties.
What is an Emergency?
Many things could cause an emergency at a nuclear power plant. State and local officials will be told about any emergency that could cause the nuclear plant to become unsafe. There are four classes of emergencies at nuclear power plants:
Notification of Unusual Event: This is the least serious emergency class. It means that something out of the ordinary has happened. People living in the area should not have to take any action.
Alert: This class means plant safety could become a problem. State and local officials will go to their emergency centers to follow the situation. The general public should not have to take any action.
Site Area Emergency: This class means the public might be affected. You might hear the Emergency Siren Warning System. Tune into your local radio station for information. State and local officials will take action to protect those living in the area.
General Emergency: This is the most serious emergency class. State and local officials will take action to protect people in the area. Stay tuned to your local radio station for instructions.
RADIATION AND ITS EFFECTS
Radioactivity is the property possessed by some elements that spontaneously give off energy in the form of waves or particles. Radiation may be alpha, beta, or gamma.
• Alpha radiation is the least penetrating type. It can be stopped by a sheet of paper.
• Beta radiation is emitted from the nucleus of an atom during fission. It can be stopped by thick cardboard.
• Gamma radiation is electromagnetic waves emitted from a nucleus and is essentially the same as X-rays. It can be stopped by heavy shielding such as lead or concrete.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Radiation is a normal part of our everyday lives. It is used in medicine and dentistry for diagnosis and treatment in the form of X-rays and gamma rays. Naturally occurring radioactivity is found in the soil, water, air, and building materials. In Arkansas, the average radiation exposure from naturally occurring and man-made radiation is up to 180 millirem * per year. Most studies indicate that radiation exposure of up to several thousand millirem per year result in no measurable health effect.
In the event of an accidental release of radioactivity from Arkansas Nuclear One, Entergy Operations, Inc., state and local government emergency plans are designed to minimize the radiation exposure to the public. This is accomplished by the use of sheltering, staying indoors or evacuation as possible protective actions.
*This does not include the contribution of naturally occurring Radon gas, which is currently being studied.
HOW A NUCLEAR PLANT WORKS
The uranium fuel in a nuclear reactor produces heat. Primary coolant water circulates through the reactor and picks up heat as it flows around the nuclear fuel. The heated water is pumped into a steam generator where the primary coolant gives off heat to water in a separate secondary system before it is returned to the reactor to be heated again.
The secondary water in the steam generator is converted to steam which is routed to a turbine. The steam rotates the turbine which is connected to an electric generator.
After the steam leaves the turbine, it is condensed into water by passing over tubes containing cool lake water and is returned to the steam generator to be heated into steam again. The lake water that is used to condense the steam to water is warmed slightly. It is returned to the surface of the lake, where its heat is given up to the atmosphere. Unit 2 uses the cooling tower to dissipate excess heat in the form of water vapor from the condenser cycle.
What Should I Do?
Check the map below. Determine which care center you would go and how to get there.
Zones And Reception Centers
NOTE: Personnel will be in place at each reception center host city to direct evacuees to their designated reception centers.
ZONE "G"
Zone Description: The area within approximately two miles of Arkansas Nuclear One. This includes Lake Dardanelle, the ANO peninsula, Mill Creek, 40 Acre Rock and London Communities.
Reception Center: Residents of this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Hector High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone G should take Highway 64 or Highway 333 to Highway 7, then Highway 7 to Dover, then Highway 27 to Hector.
ZONE "H"
Zone Description: Russellville residents west of Arkansas Avenue and south of Interstate-40. This includes Norristown and the Dardanelle State Park area.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Morrilton Junior High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone H should take Interstate-40 or Highway 64 east to Morrilton or Highway 247 to Highway 64 then east to Morrilton.
ZONE "I"
Zone Description: Russellville residents south of Interstate-40 and east of Arkansas Avenue. This includes the South New Hope Community.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Morrilton Junior High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone I should take Interstate-40 or Highway 64 east to Morrilton or Highway 247 to Highway 64 then east to Morrilton.
ZONE "J"
Zone Description: Pope County residents north of Interstate-40, south of Bakers Creek and east of the Illinois Bayou.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Morrilton Junior High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone J take Interstate-40 or Highway 64 east to Morrilton, or Highway 124 to Highway 326 East to Highway 105 to Atkins, then east on Interstate-40 or Highway 64 to Morrilton.
ZONE "K"
Zone Description: Pope County residents north of Highway 64, west of the Illinois Bayou, east and south of Highway 333, and south of county road 79(also known as Shinn Mountain Road) and county road 141(also known as Lower Shinn Mountain Road).
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Hector High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone K should take Interstate-40, Highway 333 or Pleasant View Road to Highway 7 then Highway 7 to Dover, then Highway 27 to Hector.
ZONE "L"
Zone Description: Pope County residents east of the Illinois Bayou and north of Bakers Creek. This includes Dover and the Linker Mountain Community.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Hector High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone L should take Highway 7 to Dover then Highway 27 to Hector, or Highway 164 to Highway 105 then take Highway 27 north to Hector.
ZONE "M"
Zone Description: Pope County residents north of Hickeytown Road, east of Highway 333 and north of county road 79(also known as Shinn Mountain Road) and county road 141(also known as Lower Shinn Mountain Road). This includes the Augsburg, Rushing and North New Hope Communities.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Hector High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone M should take Highway 333 to Highway 7 to Dover, then Highway 27 to Hector.
ZONE "N"
Zone Description: Pope County residents south of Hickeytown Road, west of Highway 333 and north of Lake Dardanelle.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Hector High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone N should take Highway 333 to Highway 7 to Dover then Highway 27 to Hector.
ZONE "O"
Zone Description: Johnson County residents east of Highway 359 and south of Flat Rock Creek.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Clarksville High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone O should take Highway 64, Interstate-40 or take Highway 359 to Highway 64 west to Clarksville.
ZONE "P"
Zone Description: Johnson County residents north of Flat Rock Creek and west of Highway 359. This includes the Piney, Piney Bay, Knoxville and Hickeytown Communities.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Clarksville High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone P should take Highway 64, Interstate-40 or Highway 359 to Highway 64 west to Clarksville.
ZONE "Q"
Zone Description: Logan County residents residing between Delaware and New Blaine. This includes the New Liberty, West River Mountain and Nichols Lane area.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Paris High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone Q should take Highway 22 west to Paris.
ZONE "R"
Zone Description: Logan County residents within an area approximately two miles west of the Logan - Yell county line. This includes Wildcat Hollow, Delaware, Delaware Lake Area, River Mountain Road east of Flurry Road and Highway 22 east of Johnson Lane.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Paris High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone R should take Highway 22 west to Paris.
ZONE "S"
Zone Description: Yell County residents south of Mt. Nebo Road and west of the Dardanelle city limits. This includes the Slo Fork and Sulphur Springs areas.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Danville High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone S should take Highway 27 to Danville or Highway 7 to Ola, then Highway 10 west to Danville; or Highway 28 to Mt. George, then Highway 154 to Highway 27 to Danville.
ZONE "T"
Zone Description: All residents of the city of Dardanelle.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Danville High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone T should take Highway 7 south to Ola, then Highway 10 west to Danville.
ZONE "U"
Zone Description: Yell County residents north of Mt. Nebo Road and west of the Dardanelle City limits. This includes Mt. Nebo, Haney Hollow, Wildcat Hollow in Yell County and the Lake Dardanelle State Park area.
Reception Center: Residents in this zone should proceed to the designated reception center at Danville High School.
Evacuation Routes: Persons living in Zone U should take Highway 22 or Highway 155 east to Highway 27, then Highway 27 to Danville.
NOTE: Personnel will be in place at each reception center host city to direct evacuees to their designated reception centers.
If an evacuation begins, don't panic and don't rush. You will have plenty of time. When you leave home, please affix a sign to the front of your home so officials will know you have been notified and have evacuated. Click here to download an example sign. If you do not have a printer to print the example sign, please create a similar sign and affix it to your front door.
As you leave the area, tell a neighbor about the evacuation. He/She may not know about the emergency or may need a ride to a reception center. You may need to stay at the center for two (2) or three (3) days. This will depend on conditions at the plant.
Emergency Supplies
- Change of Clothing
- Baby supplies
- Blankets and pillows
- Flashlight and batteries
- Portable radio
- Medications
- Soap and shaving equipment
- Eyeglasses
- Health insurance information
- Check book/Credit cards
- Towels and washcloths
- Sanitary supplies
- Personal identification
What About Sheltering?
Sheltering means to stay indoors. Close all doors and windows. Turn off sources of outside air. Close the fireplace flue if not in use. Remain indoors until told it is safe to go out. Use the telephone only for medical, fire, or other extreme emergencies! If traveling in a vehicle, close windows, air vents, and put the air conditioner on the maximum setting if needed.
Always listen to your local radio station or Tone Alert radio for further instructions.
What About Staying Indoors?
Staying indoors is very similar to sheltering. However, there are some important differences. Because the mid-summer heat in Arkansas can often climb well above 100 degrees, closing off your home without air conditioning could present more of a health hazard than the one presented in a release at ANO. Therefore, staying indoors refers to just that, staying indoors but with your air conditioning or heat running to keep you cool in the summer or warm on a cold January day. The filters in your home’s heat and air system will also act to filter some of the radioactive particulates that might be in the air in your area because of a release at the nuclear plant. The Department of Health believes this to be a logical and safe alternative to sheltering during weather extremes such as heat or snow and ice.
IDrive Arkansas
IDrive Arkansas will show you the location of each construction zone on the state highway system. Activate the live traffic / traffic camera features for a clear understanding of how traffic is moving up to and through each construction zone. Add the weather radar feature and determine the impact storms are having on traffic moving through construction zones. https://idrivearkansas.com/
Evacuation Route Signs
Signs marking designated evacuation routes are in place along state highways. These indicate the direction to the Designated Reception Centers where you should report in the event of an evacuation resulting from an emergency involving Arkansas Nuclear One.
Family Preparedness
Your family may not be together when an emergency occurs, so it is important to have a family plan. Your plan should include how you will contact each other if you are separated during an emergency. For example, have each family member contact other family members who live outside the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). Everyone must know the name, address, and phone number of the contact. You may have trouble getting through, so be patient.
Have two predetermined locations outside the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) where your family can reunite, if separated.
For additional planning information, you may refer to www.ready.gov.
What About My Pets?
For reasons of health and safety, it is strongly recommended that pets not be brought to any reception center, however, it may be necessary under certain circumstances to do so. To facilitate the reasonable accommodation of domesticated animals, measures designed to assure a safe stay at the center are required. Domesticated pets are defined as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents or turtles or animals traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes and can travel in commercial carriers, and be housed in temporary facilities. Reptiles (except turtles), livestock and animals classified as "vicious animals" will not be accepted.
While pets will not be allowed inside the actual reception center, limited facilities will be provided for the housing of your domesticated animals nearby. Animals should be transported in and remain housed in, portable containment devices while at the reception center pet facility. Care of these animals, such as providing food and water, will be the responsibility of the owner. Veterinary care needed by individual animals will have to be provided by the pet's owner. Liability for any harm or damage caused by the animal while at the reception center facility will also be the responsibility of the owner. Also, bringing your pets to the reception center will delay your entry to and processing from the reception center. It is believed that pets would not be put in any danger should they be left behind, especially if pet owners have areas in which they can house their pets, such as an enclosed garage. Whatever radiation to which they might be exposed is not believed to be great enough to cause any physical harm to them. Also, the lower radiation levels that would be expected to be emitted from an accident at ANO might take many years to manifest into any health problems and since most pets do not have a life expectancy exceeding this time frame, the likelihood of them suffering from an illness brought upon them by exposure to radiation from a possible release from ANO is remote. The shock and turmoil of uprooting these animals from their normal surroundings might actually prove more harmful to them.
'Service Animals' will be accepted at all Reception Centers, however, the owners will be responsible for care and control.
Radiological Information For Farmers And Gardeners
This information was prepared to answer questions that farmers and gardeners might have after a serious accident at Arkansas Nuclear One.
Radioactive material might be released from the nuclear plant to the environment during a serious accident. It could fall onto soil, grass, or surface water, and then be taken into the food chain by plants and animals.
To protect dairy animals, use uncontaminated water and feed supplies. Move dairy animals off pastures and into dry feed lots.
Safe water will be the most important need for animals--even more important than feed. Since you may be away from the livestock for at least 48 hours, provide a 48 hour emergency water supply in livestock shelter areas.
Protect other water supplies from contamination. Cover stock tanks with plastic sheeting or canvas. Water in an open pond would be contaminated and should not be used until shown to be safe. Feed stored in sheds or silos or under a canvas or plastic cover should be used instead of letting animals graze. Feed stored outside, such as hay, that cannot be covered in time can still be used if outer layers are removed.
Suspected contamination would mean that produce must be checked before consumed. In most cases, garden foods may be cleaned by a thorough washing with water. Roots and tubers are not affected by surface contamination.
If you have been instructed to evacuate your farm, you may be allowed to return to feed and care for your livestock. Permission to return to evacuated areas must be obtained through your County Emergency Operations Center and the State Technical Operations Control Director. More information is available from your County Agent's Disaster Handbook for Extension Agents, published by the United States Department of Agriculture or by calling the Arkansas Department of Health at 1-800-422- 6630 (toll-free) or (479)968-7171. TDD users may call 858-7890 or 1-800-633-6413 or 711 after normal hours.
HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED?
Within 15 minutes of the time an emergency is declared at Arkansas Nuclear One, Entergy Operations, Inc. must notify state officials. State officials can then notify the public of an emergency within 15 minutes by use of the Emergency Warning System. You will hear a steady siren signal lasting about three (3) minutes. If you have a Tone Alert radio, it will be activated. STAY CALM! When you hear the sirens, listen to one of the local radio stations listed below or the Tone Alert radio for additional information.
Sirens are tested each Wednesday at noon, excluding holidays or when severe weather is present.
HOW DOES MY TONE ALERT RADIO WORK?
Persons within ten (10) miles of Arkansas Nuclear One are notified of an emergency by siren and Tone Alert radio. Persons who live in an area where there are no sirens, or are hearing impaired, or require special notification are provided with these receivers FREE of charge. The system is operated in cooperation with the National Weather Service. This system is tested every Wednesday between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. If inclement weather persists, then the testing will be performed the next clear day.
All Tone Alert radios issued by this office have a battery backup feature which allows the user to install a battery. This will allow the radio to work during a power outage. You may install a battery if you desire.
WHERE DO I GET ONE?
If you think you are eligible for a FREE radio or should the radio you have fail to operate properly, contact:
Arkansas Department of Health Nuclear
Planning and Response Program
P.O. Box 1749
Russellville, Arkansas 72811
Phone: 479-968-7171
Phone TDD 1-800-633-6413 or 711 after normal hours.
Email: arkansasnuclearplanning@arkansas.gov
To report Siren Warning system problems, Tone Alert radio problems, or any urgent concern, you may call these numbers 24 hours a day.
Your Tone Alert radio is designed to receive weather information from the National Weather Service 24 hours a day. Weather information for the River Valley area will be broadcast from the Mt. Nebo transmitter on frequency 162.525 Mhz. In addition to weather information, emergency information concerning Arkansas Nuclear One will also be broadcast on this frequency.
Operating instructions for your weather radio are included with each radio issued. Should you need further assistance with your radio, you may contact the Arkansas Dept. of Health Nuclear Planning and Response Program.
Emergency Alert Radio Stations
NOTE: KXRJ is available for emergency messaging 24-hours a day. The other stations will air emergency messages as soon as the stations can be staffed during non-working hours. All stations are available during normal working hours.
Russellville
KARV, AM 610
KWXT, AM 1490
KMTC, FM 91.1
KCJC, FM 102.3
KXRJ, FM 91.9
Tone Alert 162.525
Dardanelle
KCAB, AM 980
KCAB, FM 97.1
KWKK, FM 100.9
Clarksville
KXIO, FM 106.9
Danville
KYEL, FM 105.5
Atkins
KCON, FM 99.3
Ola
KARV, FM 101.3
WHAT ABOUT MY TELEPHONE?
PLEASE avoid using the telephone, if possible. All lines should be kept clear for emergency calls. You should use your telephone only to report medical, fire, or other extreme emergencies. The warning sirens, local radio stations and Tone Alert radio are designed to keep you informed during an emergency.
SEVERE WEATHER PROTECTION
The siren system around Arkansas Nuclear One can also be used to alert the public of severe weather. This can be done by local officials if necessary. If a weather warning is issued, stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Go to the basement or interior of the house. You may want to get under something sturdy and cover your head. If you're in a mobile home or a car, it is safer to leave and find a sturdier structure. If no shelter is available, then lie flat in a ditch or ravine and cover your head. If a flash flood threatens, avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees. Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road since you could become stranded and trapped. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. People often drown while trying to rescue their car.
What about Schools?
Because evacuation of school-age children is of the utmost importance, schools will be notified before the general public. Parents should not attempt to pick up their children at the schools since this will create a traffic problem that could cause a delay in the evacuation of the schools. The students will be taken to a reception center. Each school will be evacuated to a specific reception center. Once children are registered at the reception center, they may leave with a parent or legal guardian. If it is necessary, students will be monitored for radioactive contamination. To determine the reception center to which each school would evacuate, please see the chart below. All reception centers are located at schools.*
| School | Zone | Reception Center |
| Center Valley Elementary | J | Morrilton Junior High School |
| Crawford Elementary | I | Morrilton Junior High School |
| Dardanelle Elementary School | T | Danville High School |
| Dardanelle High School | T | Danville High School |
| Dardanelle Middle School | T | Danville High School |
| Dardanelle Primary School | T | Danville High School |
| Dover Elementary School | L | Hector High School |
| Dover High School | L | Hector High School |
| Dover Middle School | L | Hector High School |
| Dwight Elementary | H | Morrilton Junior High School |
| Friendship School | I | Morrilton Junior High School |
| London Elementary | G | Clarksville High School |
| Oakland Heights Elementary | I | Morrilton Junior High School |
| Russellville Area Vo-Tech | I | Morrilton Junior High School |
| Russellville High School | I | Morrilton Junior High School |
| Russellville Jr. High Schools | H | Morrilton Junior High School |
| Russellville Middle Grades Complex | H | Morrilton Junior High School |
| Sequoyah Elementary | H | Morrilton Junior High School |
*In the event of an emergency, please do not attempt to pick up your children at school.
Need Special Help?
If you think you or your organization might need special help in an emergency such as special notification or transportation, submit the form online at the web address below, or contact:
Arkansas Department of Health Nuclear Planning and Response Program
P.O. Box 1749
Russellville, Arkansas 72811
Phone 479-968-7171 or 1-800-422-6630 Toll Free
Phone 1-800-633-6413 (TDD) or 711 after normal hours
http://healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/preparedness/pages/specialneedsform.aspx
Email: arkansasnuclearplanning@arkansas.gov
Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
**To report Siren Warning System problems, Tone Alert radio problems, or any
urgent concern, you may call these numbers 24 hours a day.
Click here to use our online form to submit any special needs you may have.
Click here to download a copy of the form to mail in.
Where can I get more Information?
Please contact the Arkansas Department of Health from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Arkansas Department of Health
Nuclear Planning and Response Program
P.O. Box 1749
Russellville, AR 72811-1749
Phone: 479-968-7171 or
1-800-422-6630 (Toll Free)
Email: arkansasnuclearplanning@arkansas.gov
The deaf and hearing impaired who use TDD equipment may reach us by calling 1-800-633-6413 during normal operating hours and by calling 711 after normal hours. To report Siren warning System problems, Tone Alert radio problems, or any urgent concern, you may call these numbers 24 hours a day.
Administration Building
contains security and administration offices.
Auxiliary Building
houses equipment and laboratories for normal operation of the plant in addition to certain backup systems. The control room is in this building.
Condenser
is a large cooling system that changes steam that has spun the turbine back into water to be used again.
Containment Building
(or reactor building) is a steel and reinforced concrete structure. It houses the reactor, pressurizer, reactor coolant pumps, steam generators, piping, and other equipment.
Cooling Tower
is the tall hyperbolic reinforced concrete structure which is used to reject the waste heat from ANO-2 to the atmosphere.
Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ)
is a circle around Arkansas Nuclear One, having a ten mile radius with the plant site at the center. Most of the emergency planning concerning an incident at ANO is concentrated inside this zone. Please refer to the map.
Emergency Warning System
is a network of outdoor sirens and tone alert receivers used to tell the public that emergency information is about to be broadcast over local radio stations.
Entergy Arkansas, LLC,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, is the owner of Arkansas Nuclear One.
Entergy Corporation
is a publicly held holding company that is the sole owner of Entergy Arkansas, Inc. and Entergy Operations, Inc.
Fission
is the splitting of an atom into two new atoms. When a uranium atom splits, two new atoms, neutrons and heat are produced.
Millirem
is the unit used to measure radiation dosage. It is 1/1000th of a REM. REM stands for Roentgen Equivalent Man, a measure of radiation that indicates potential impact on human cells.
Moderator
is the material used to improve the efficiency of the fission process. Water is used as the moderator at Arkansas Nuclear One.
NOAA
is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Nuclear Fuel
is a slightly enriched uranium.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
is the federal governmental agency that is responsible for the regulation and inspection of nuclear power plants to assure safety.
Pressurizer
is the tank of steam and water that controls the pressure in the reactor system.
Primary Coolant
refers to water that is used to transfer the heat from the nuclear fuel to the secondary coolant.
Reactor
is a large steel vessel that contains the uranium fuel, primary coolant, control
rods, and structures that support the uranium fuel.
Reactor Coolant Pumps
are used to circulate the primary coolant water.
Secondary Coolant
is the non-radioactive water that is heated into steam which turns the turbine.
Shielding
is the material within the nuclear plant that prevents the escape of radiation. Shielding can be steel, lead, concrete, or water.
Steam Generator
is the piece of equipment that permits heat to be transferred from the primary coolant water to the secondary coolant without the water in the two systems actually mixing.
Steam Generator Tube
separates reactor coolant water from the water used to make steam. Thousands of tubes are housed in a steam generator.
Turbine
is a series of curved blades attached to a shaft and rotated by steam. The turbine is connected to the generator which produces electricity.
Turbine Building
contains the secondary (non-radioactive) system of water. Housed in this building are the steam turbines, the electric generator, and the condenser system.