The four terms below are used to describe events at nuclear plants. Only two may involve public actions such as staying inside your homes or leaving the affected area. You should know these terms. Duke Energy notifies county, state and federal authorities in each of the following situations.
Unusual Event
Declaration of an Unusual Event may be caused as the result of a minor incident, such as an injury to a plant worker or the threat of severe weather. No public action is required.
Alert
Declaration of an Alert may be caused by a minor incident that affects or could potentially affect reactor safety. No public action is required.
Site Area Emergency
Declaration of a Site Area Emergency may be caused by a more serious incident such as a major leak from the reactor coolant system or fire in a safety system. Radioactive releases are possible or are occurring. Sirens would sound, alerting you to tune to a local radio or television station.
General Emergency
Declaration of a General Emergency is the most severe emergency classification. Radioactive releases which could affect the off-site population are possible or are occurring. Sirens would sound, alerting you to tune to a local radio or television station.