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for an emergency. An EPZ is comprised of two zones, the 10- <br /> mile plume exposure zone and the 50-mile ingestion exposure <br /> zone (Nuclear Energy Institute, 2004). Specific coordinating <br /> procedures for response to a general emergency at a nuclear <br /> power plant have been prepared in the form of standard <br /> operating procedures. These include emergency classification <br /> levels, which assist in notifying the public if a problem occurs at <br /> a plant. They are defined by four categories (FEMA, 2004): <br /> • Notification of Unusual Event — The event poses no <br /> threat to plant employees, but emergency officials are <br /> notified. No action by the public is necessary. <br /> • Alert—An event has occurred that could reduce the plant's <br /> level of safety, but back-up systems still work. Emergency <br /> agencies are notified and kept informed, but no action by <br /> the public is necessary. <br /> • Site Area Emergency — The event involves major <br /> problems with the plant's safety and has progressed to the <br /> point that a release of some radioactivity into the air or <br /> water is possible, but is not expected to exceed EPA <br /> Protective Action Guidelines (PACs). Thus, no action by <br /> the public is necessary. <br /> • General Emergency — The event has caused a loss of <br /> safety systems. If such an event occurs, radiation could be <br /> released that would penetrate the site boundary. State and <br /> local authorities will take action to protect the residents <br /> living near the plant. The alert and notification system will <br /> be sounded. People in the affected areas could be advised <br /> to evacuate, or in some situations, to shelter in place. <br /> When the sirens are sounded, radio and television alerts <br /> will have site-specific information and instructions. <br /> The St. Lucie nuclear power generation plant is located 12 <br /> miles southeast of the City of Ft. Pierce on Hutchinson Island <br /> in St. Lucie County. The facility contains two reactors and is <br /> owned and operated by the Florida Power & Light Company. <br /> Counties within the 50-mile EPZ include all or portions of St. <br /> Lucie, Indian River, Glades, Osceola, Okeechobee, Brevard, <br /> Highlands, Palm Beach, and Indian River. <br /> Extent. Due to the low probability of occurrence, this hazard <br /> will not be fully profiled <br /> Vulnerability Assessment. Radiological accidents can have <br /> the following potential impacts on a community: <br /> Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 60 <br />