RADIATION EMERGENCIES
LOCAL POTENTIAL
The operations at a plant located 17 miles from Amarillo create a potential for a radiation or chemical emergency. There is little danger of a serious emergency at the plant, but just in case, you should be prepared to initiate appropriate protective actions.
If an emergency or issue arises, local authorities will use the Emergency Alerting System (EAS), NOAA All-Hazards radios, and outdoor warning sirens to alert the public.
If you are advised to shelter in place, follow the tips below to stay safe.
In the event of a radiological emergency, a Community Reception Center may be established. The primary location for the Amarillo Community Reception Center is situated at the Tri-State Fairgrounds, located at Grand Avenue and East 3rd Avenue in Amarillo. However, depending on the direction of the wind and the location of the radioactive contamination, this location may be subject to change. Public messaging will be released regarding the location of the Community Reception Center once it has been opened.
Take any medications, baby items, and important documents that you may need with you. Do not eat, drink, or smoke until advised that it is safe to do so.
For more information on local emergency preparedness regarding the Pantex Plant, visit the Pantex Emergency Planning Zone website. There, you will find county-specific information, details about notifications, self-decontamination guidance and more.
Preparing for Radiation Emergencies
Be Prepared
Build an emergency kit that includes extra clothes for you and every family member, trash bags to dispose of exposed clothing, and sealed water and nonperishable food.
Make a Plan
Create an emergency communication plan for your family. Be sure to consider several scenarios and create a plan for each one. Make sure every family member knows the plan.
Stay Informed
Sign up for AMA Alerts to be notified of hazards and emergencies in Potter and Randall County. Keep your radio on and tuned to one of the local EAS stations- KGNC-AM (710) or KGNC-FM (97.9) for information and instructions.
GET INSIDE. STAY INSIDE.
If you are outside and have a warning, get inside immediately. Move to the interior of the building or your home and away from windows and open areas.
If you do not have time to get inside, cover as much exposed skin as possible including your face. Get inside the nearest building as soon as possible.
You will have less than 10 minutes to find shelter inside after a detonation and before fall out begins. Get inside a concrete or brick building immediately and put as many interior walls as possible between you and the exterior walls and windows.
STAY INSIDE. Once inside, DO NOT LEAVE. Stay inside for at least 24 hours or until authorities tell you it is safe to leave.
Turn off air conditioners, furnaces, fans. Close all exhaust vents into the home or building, including fireplace dampers.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. Once the threat has passed, follow all evacuation procedures. Do NOT attempt to return home until instructed to do so.
After a Radiation Emergency
Remove Clothing
Carefully remove and bag outer clothing. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes as much as possible. This will reduce up to 90% of radioactive material.
Eat and Drink
Food and drink that were sealed inside a building during a radiation event are safe to consume. Do not eat or drink anything that was outside, including from a garden, until authorities say it is safe to do so.
Clean Yourself
Wash yourself with soap and water to remove any additional radioactive material. If you can’t shower or bathe, wipe yourself with a cloth or baby wipe as best as you can. Do not use cleaning wipes (Clorox, Lysol, etc.) on your skin.
Take Care of Yourself
Seek medical attention if you are sick or injured after a radiation event. If you are in a public shelter, check on those around you. Contact your doctor or emergency services if needed.
Clean Pets
Any pets that were outside should be cleaned immediately to remove any radioactive material.
Manage Stress
A radiation event can be traumatic. Follow CDC guidance for managing stress after an event.