The emergency plan at a nuclear electric power plant must include a means for notification of the public living within how many miles of the plant in a 15-minute period?

The emergency plan for a nuclear electric power plant is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the community surrounding the facility in the event of an incident. A key component of this plan is the ability to effectively and quickly notify the public about potential hazards.

In this context, notifying residents within a specific radius is crucial, and the correct answer indicates that the plan must allow for the notification of individuals living within 10 miles of the plant within a 15-minute period. This range is established based on the potential consequences of nuclear incidents, which can be significant and pose serious health risks. Therefore, a 10-mile radius ensures that the notification system can reach a sufficient number of individuals who may be affected or need to take protective actions.

Emergency response protocols, including notification systems, have been developed based on studies of past incidents and the potential impact radiological release can have on health and safety. By ensuring a quick and effective communication method within this distance, the plan aims to minimize panic, facilitate immediate protective actions, and ultimately save lives during any emergency that may arise at the nuclear facility.