What is the risk?
In Hampshire, we have two large ports, Portsmouth and Southampton. These ports have naval connections which means nuclear-powered vessels will occasionally visit.
The design of a nuclear-powered vessel means that an incident involving a vessel’s reactor is extremely unlikely. However, if the reactor on board a vessel suffers a serious problem and begins to leak, radioactive particles might escape into the air. There is no possibility of a “nuclear bomb” type explosion.
During more than 40 years of the UK Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme, there has never been a reactor accident nor has any radiation incident resulted in a significant hazard to service personnel or a member of the public. However, it is important to be aware of the risk and know what to do if it were to happen.
Who will be affected?
If an incident occurred, it is unlikely this would affect people more than half a kilometre (500 meters) from the vessel, and because of the size of the naval base this would probably only affect people within the base. Legislation requires people living up to 1.5km away from an operational berth to be given prior information about a nuclear emergency which is provided in the booklets below.
What does the Local Resilience Forum do to prepare?
Plans are in place for both evacuation should it be necessary, and for radiation monitoring of the public. These plans are exercised and developed by the Local Resilience Forum and partners. Reassurance monitoring will take place if there has been or it is likely that members of the public could have been exposed to radioactive material.
Associated risks
A risk to health from the ingestion, absorption, inhalation and surface contamination of skin by radioactive material. Dependant on dose and length of exposure can develop into long term health conditions.
How can you prepare?
Before
You may be asked to shelter in your home for at least 48 hours. Make sure you have adequate supplies of:
Water
Food
Medication
During an incident
GO IN
STAY IN
TUNE IN
- In the highly unlikely event of a nuclear incident the best thing to do is to go indoors and stay there. Don’t go outside unless you are told to. Make sure you keep your pets indoors as well. If you have an elderly neighbour, you may want to tell them that there is an emergency.
- Close windows and doors.
- Shut down fans, fires and ventilators. In fact, anything that draws in air from outside
- Don’t go outside where radiation could be higher, unless you’re told to. You will be much safer indoors. If you need to leave the area you will be told, and you should follow the instructions given. If you try to leave earlier, you may block the roads for emergency services
- Keep pets indoors to stop them bringing possible contamination into the house.
- If your children are at school, the school will look after them – going to collect your children may expose you and them to radiation.
- TV: BBC 1, BBC 2, ITV Meridian.
- Radio: BBC Radio Solent (96.1 & 103.8 FM) / Hits Radio South Coast (107.8 FM) / Heart FM (96.7 FM / Greatest Hits Radio (South Coast) (105.2 FM) / Capital FM (103.2 FM).
- Social Media: Links
- Don’t use the telephone unless you urgently need help. In an emergency the telephone system could become very busy. If you have to make a call, please keep it short.
- Listen to information about “SITs” – stable iodine tablets and how they will be distributed to you.
- Most residential properties will receive SITs from Royal Navy personnel or council staff distributed to your door. If you are out when they call, SITs will be left with a leaflet telling you what to do.
- Only take SITs when told to do so – these arrangements will be confirmed by radio, TV announcement and on social media.
- Should you require further assistance, a telephone helpline number will be released in the event of an emergency.
- Listen out for further announcements and information on when to take the tablets.
After
Stay tuned in to the news
Follow advice for the blue-light services
Helpful links and resources
UK Government - Radiation emergencies: information for the public
Information on protecting yourself from radiation, including how to remove radioactive contamination from yourself.
UKHSA - Radiation Emergency Preparedness Services
UK Health Security Agency plays a major role in assisting the UK response to any radiation or nuclear emergency. In the event of such an emergency there would be many demands on UKHSA for information, advice and monitoring. Preparations are made by developing, maintaining and exercising arrangements for responding. Follow this link for more information.
Office for Nuclear Regulation
We are the UK’s independent nuclear regulator for safety, security and safeguards. Our mission is to protect society by securing safe nuclear operations.
Portsmouth City Council - Emergency planning
Click the link below to find information on how Portsmouth City Council’s plans help reduce the effect of any emergencies both in the city and county-wide, so that people can go about their lives as freely and with as much confidence as possible.
Southampton City Council - Emergency planning
Click the link below to find information on how Southampton City Council’s plans help reduce the effect of any emergencies both in the city and county-wide, so that people can go about their lives as freely and with as much confidence as possible.
