Nuclear power plant accident

If radioactive substances escape into the environment due to a defect or accident in a nuclear power plant, there is the danger of radioactive contamination via the air. Medium and long term dangers arise from radioactively contaminated infrastructure and contaminated earth, bodies of water, food and ground water. The likelihood of such accidents occurring are assessed as very low. If they result in radioactivity escaping, the population will be warned by the authorities (siren alarm and radio / TV bulletins).

Escape of radioactivity is not an immediate threat to lives. If you are, however, exposed to a large dose of radioactivity, this can lead to serious illness and damage your health in the long term.

For the first hours after radioactivity has been released you will be asked to remain inside your house/residence. As a precaution, you may be evacuated from the area. If an evacuation in advance is not possible, you may be evacuated after the incident. For those affected, information points will be made available. Additionally, decontamination will be offered. It may take several days to weeks before you can return to the contaminated area. Under certain conditions, returning will not be possible for several years.

• Fukushima (Japan), 2011
• Chernobyl (Soviet Union), 1986
• Lucens (Switzerland), 1969

1. Take shelter inside a building.
2. Close doors and windows and switch off ventilation systems.
3. Keep radio, blankets and iodine tablets on hand.

1. Inform yourself via radio and television and follow the instructions given by the authorities and emergency organisations.
2. Call the emergency services only in an emergency.
3. Use the telephone and other important means of communication only for important and urgent requirements (danger of network overload).
4. Use cars and other means of transport only for important and urgent requirements (danger of traffic overload).
5. Act particularly careful in traffic (danger due to breakdown of traffic lights, barriers etc.).
6. Inform and support neighbours and people needing assistance in your vicinity.

• National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC)
• Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI)
• Federal Office for Public Health (FOPH)
• Federal Office for Public Health (FOPH)