Oak Harbor, OH – Residents living in the vicinity of Ohio’s nuclear power stations are being encouraged to review immediate safety protocols as global tensions continue to sharpen the focus on domestic readiness and public safety.
An Ohio household located within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) could be required to take rapid protective action Wednesday if an emergency is declared.
According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) and the 2025 State Radiological Emergency Preparedness Plan, specialized warning systems are maintained to notify the public within minutes of a critical event. Officials say that for those near the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station in Ottawa County or the Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Lake County, outdoor sirens are designed to sound a steady tone for three minutes to alert the community to tune into the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for official instructions.
Guidance provided by state safety officials indicates that the most vital step during an alleged nuclear incident is to get inside a sturdy building immediately. Once indoors, individuals should move to an interior room away from windows and seal all doors, windows, and ventilation systems to minimize the intake of outside air. According to safety experts, staying indoors can significantly reduce radiation exposure by using the building as a protective shield.
If you are caught outdoors during an alleged release, officials recommend entering a building as quickly as possible and removing your outer layer of clothing. Authorities repeatedly stress that showering with soap and water is a primary method for removing radioactive material from the skin and hair.
Residents in affected counties—including Ottawa, Lucas, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula—are further advised this week to audit their emergency supply kits. These should include a three-day supply of water, nonperishable food, and essential medications. Because power grids may be impacted during a conflict, authorities repeatedly suggest maintaining a battery-powered NOAA weather radio to receive official instructions.
Emergency plans should also include pre-identified evacuation routes and designated reception centers, such as Fremont Ross High School for those in the Davis-Besse EPZ. Officials noted that following formal directives—rather than acting independently—is the safest course of action for all Ohio residents.
