In the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency, a potassium iodide (KI) pill is a key component to keeping you and your family safe. Changes outlined by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission now require that all homes and businesses within the primary zone of a nuclear station be provided with KI pills by 2016. As a result, those located within 10 km of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station will be receiving a package of potassium iodide (KI) pills in the mail. Please visit preparetobesafe.ca for more information.
Nuclear Emergencies
| Public Alerting Tests |
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| Durham Region regularly tests its public alerting system each fall and spring. Visit durham.ca/nuclearpreparedness for the latest available updates. |
In the event of a nuclear emergency in Pickering, the Province manages the Alert Ready system to inform and protect residents. This system broadcasts emergency alerts through television, radio, and cellphones to ensure that everyone receives timely information and instructions.
If a nuclear emergency occurs, you will receive an alert on your cell phone, television, and radio. It is crucial that you pay attention to these alerts and follow the recommended actions to stay safe. This may include instructions to shelter in place, take potassium iodide pills, or evacuate the area.
It is important to stay informed and prepared in case of a nuclear emergency. Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures and have an emergency kit ready in case you need to evacuate quickly. Stay tuned to local media and official sources for updates and follow any instructions from emergency officials to ensure your safety during a nuclear emergency in Pickering.
Learn more at www.ontario.ca/page/emergency-management
The Durham Region Nuclear Emergency Response Plan (DRNERP) details offsite response actions to be taken in the event of a nuclear emergency at the Darlington or Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.
The Region is prepared to implement protective measures in a 10-kilometre zone around the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station to protect the public from exposure to a radioactive release.
Protective measures include:
- Evacuation: Residents will be advised to evacuate to designated facilities following evacuation routes designated by the Province.
- KI (Potassium Iodide) Pills: Potassium Iodide pills prevent or reduce the radioiodine absorption by the thyroid gland through the ingestion of a stable iodine compound. Residents may pick up Potassium Iodide pills free of charge at designated pharmacies.
- Public alerting: This includes sirens within 3 kilometres of the nuclear station, and an automated telephone dialing system to all homes within 10 kilometres of the nuclear station. Visit the Region of Durham website for more information on the public alerting system, including scheduled siren testing.
Visit the OPG website for more information.
KI Pill Distribution to Pickering Residents & Businesses
OPG Preparedness Emergency Awareness Kit
To find out everything you need to know about nuclear safety, OPG has created a Preparedness Emergency Awareness Kit so that our surrounding communities are prepared in the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency.
For more information about Ontario Power Generation's nuclear generating stations, please contact:
Pickering Nuclear: 905.837.7272
Darlington Nuclear: 905.623.7122
Exercise Unified Command – Emergency Preparedness
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and partner organizations are participating in a nuclear emergency response exercise at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station September 27-28, 2023.
During this multi-day exercise, OPG, the Region of Durham, City of Pickering, City of Toronto and various other provincial and federal government agencies will work together to test the interoperability and elements of their respective response plans during a simulated incident. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), which is responsible for regulating nuclear stations in Canada, will observe the exercise and provide feedback to OPG.
Lessons learned from the exercise will be used to update response plans and reinforce collective emergency response preparedness at all levels.
Visit the OPG website for more information.
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