Nuclear alert, I know what to do!

What is a Special Intervention Plan (PPI)?

The PPI is a system defined by the State to deal with the risks linked to the existence of an industrial installation. Its aim is to protect people, property and the environment.

This plan determines the protective actions and associated emergency means likely to be implemented in the event of an accident. The PPI is part of the civil security response organization system (ORSEC) departmental. If a nuclear event occurred and it was likely to have consequences outside the site, the prefect would take charge of operations.

Each of the 19 French nuclear power plants has its own PPI.

Why is the PPI area large?

The Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011 in Japan led public authorities to review actions to protect populations, in line with international practices and the recommendations of European nuclear safety and radiation protection authorities. The expansion of the planning zone is not linked to an increase in nuclear risk but makes it possible to improve the information and protection of people as well as the responsiveness of crisis management actors, in particular through the deployment of Municipal protection plans (PCS).

Evolution of the system for protecting people around nuclear power plants

Decided by the government, the extension of the PPI radius from 10 to 20 km aims to better organize the response of public authorities as well as to raise awareness and prepare the population to react in the event of a nuclear alert. This extension concerns 2,2 million people and more than 200 establishments open to the public (ERP) spread over 1 municipalities. In this context, an information campaign and preventive distribution of tablets has been launched.iodine for the attention of all local residents and ERP managers residing within a radius of 10 to 20 km around the 19 French nuclear power plants. Throughout the campaign, a Green number (0 800 96 00 20 – from June 4) and a website (www.distribution-iode.com) are made available to the public.

1/ I quickly take shelter in a building

Join a permanent building without delay.
If you are already in a building, isolate yourself from the outside: close doors and windows and turn off the ventilation.
If your children are at school at the time of the alert, they will be sheltered by teachers.

2/ I keep myself informed

Respect the protection instructions of public authorities (taking iodine for example) broadcast by the radio (France Bleu, France Info, etc.), television (France Télévisions) and the website of your prefecture.
Remember to equip yourself, in advance, with a battery-powered radio and spare batteries.

3/ I don’t go pick up my children from school

Stay safe.
At school, your children are protected by teachers.

4/ I limit my telephone communications

Do not saturate communication networks. They are necessary for organizing relief and transmitting information.

5/ I take iodine as soon as I receive instructions

The dose of stable iodine must be taken only and immediately at the request of the prefect (follow the dosage, see inside page).

6/ I prepare for a possible evacuation

Bring the emergency kit that you have prepared beforehand: it includes in particular your personal papers, any medical treatments, clothing, food and drink.
When evacuating, follow traffic instructions.