What is Indian Point?

The Indian Point Energy Center (IPEC) is a nuclear power plant located in Buchanan, NY, in Westchester County, approximately 40 miles north of New York City. It is operated by Entergy Corporation.

How would I be notified of an emergency at Indian Point

Special emergency sirens that produce a continuous, four-minute tone would alert people within 10 miles of Indian Point to tune to an Emergency Alert Station (EAS) for information about an emergency at Indian Point. If you hear the continuous, four-minute tone, listen to one of the EAS system stations listed below for official information on what you should do. These sirens are tested periodically throughout the year. Siren tests are announced in advance through local news media. In addition to the sirens, a high-speed telephone service, an e-mail alerting service or web-based services such as NY Alert could be used to notify and inform the public.

How would I find out what I should do in an emergency?

Officials would use the Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio and television stations to provide information and instructions to the public. EAS stations in this area are listed below. These stations would be the official source of information during an emergency. Different areas could be directed to take different actions, so instructions will be provided in terms of the communities or areas within 10 miles of Indian Point. These areas are shown in the Protective Action Areas Map (pdf file English / Spanish). Find your location on the map and listen carefully for information concerning your area.

What about people with special needs?

If you have special needs, such as a walking disability, impaired sight or hearing, or need specialized transportation or equipment, Rockland County will make special arrangements for you. Call 211 or visit the Rockland County Access and Functional Needs Registry at Access and Functional  Needs Registry.

What if my children are in school?

Officials may relocate children in schools to assigned school reception centers as a precautionary measure, even if there is no evacuation of the general public. Teachers and staff have been trained and will travel with students to these reception centers.

Refer to the list of assigned school reception centers for each school within 10 miles of Indian Point. Parents and guardians can pick up their children from these reception centers. Please check with your child's school to learn more about relocation planning and parental pick-up plans.

What if I don't have access to transportation?

If you do not have your own transportation out of the area, you can ride one of the buses provided to take you to a reception center or arrange a ride with a neighbor. Evacuation bus routes and stops will be located throughout Rockland County. If residents of your area are advised to evacuate, locate the nearest bus stop. You will be advised over the radio when the buses will begin picking up.

Potassium Iodide (KI) pills

KI protects the thyroid gland from possible radiation injury caused by radioactive iodine. All residents of Rockland County are eligible to receive potassium iodide, also known as KI. KI is available five days a week at the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services, located at the Fire Training Center, 35 Firemen's Memorial Drive, off Route 45 in Pomona. Additional information can be obtained by calling 1-845-364-8800.

While the New York State Department of Health recommends distribution of KI to residents living within a 10-mile radius of a nuclear power plant, Rockland County Executive Ed Day has directed that all Rockland residents may obtain free KI pills if they choose.  In an emergency, residents will be told what, if any actions should be taken for protection. This might include leaving the area, staying inside with windows closed and/or taking KI.

Tune in for information

If you hear the emergency sirens, tune in your radio and TV to an Emergency Alert System (EAS) station for further information. Remember: The sounding of the sirens is not a signal to take any actions other than to listen to your radio or TV.

Primary Emergency Alert System (EAS) Stations for the Hudson Valley:

Emergency information could also be carried on the following stations: