Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station

Emergency Classification Levels (ECL)
There are four Emergency Classification Levels for PVNGS incidents established by the Federal government.

Unusual Event

A minor problem has taken place. No release of radioactive material is expected. Federal, state and county officials will be notified of the problem. Sirens unlikely to sound Likely no action necessary. Information will be provided to news media.  

 

Alert

This is also a minor problem. Small amounts of radioactive material could be released inside the plant. Federal, state and county officials will be notified of the problem. Sirens unlikely to sound PVNGS, State and county EOCs are fully activated and coordinating their activities. Information will be provided to news media.  

 

Site Area Emergency

A more serious problem has taken place. Small amounts of radioactive material could be released near the plant. Sirens will sound. PVNGS, State and county EOCs are fully activated and coordinating their activities. If you hear the sirens, go indoors immediately and turn on your radio to KTAR (620 AM), KKLT (98.7 FM), KJZZ (91.5 FM), KFYI (550 AM) or other local radio or television stations to hear instructions from government officials.

General Emergency

This is the most serious kind of problem. Radioactive material could be released outside the plant site. Sirens will sound. PVNGS, State and county EOCs are fully activated and coordinating their activities. If you hear the sirens, go indoors immediately and turn on your radio to KTAR (620 AM), KKLT (98.7 FM), KJZZ (91.5 FM), KFYI (550 AM) or other local radio or television stations to hear instructions from government officials. It's important to know that an incident at PVNGS could change over a period of hours or days. The public would be informed of any changes in the incident.