317-232-2222
hazmat@dhs.in.gov
Indiana takes advantage of Cobalt Magnet 25 international exercise
This spring, more than 3,000 participants from across the United States and Canada played out what the response would look like for a major nuclear power plant emergency near Detroit, Michigan, during the Cobalt Magnet 25 full-scale exercise. Such an incident could have far-reaching effects, including in Indiana, so the IDHS Radiation staff led efforts to bring state and local agencies together to take advantage of the opportunity to practice their nuclear power plant response plans.
About the REP Program
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s (IDHS) Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program coordinates efforts to protect and respond to incidents involving commercial nuclear power plants. The REP Program provides the state of Indiana and local communities with plans, training and guidance related to nuclear energy incidents. The program follows federal guidance and policies to ensure capabilities exist to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of and respond to and recover from incidents involving nuclear power plants.
Ingestion Pathway Preparation and Planning
*Restarting in 2025
*Restarting in 2025
Eleven Indiana counties are within the Ingestion Pathway Zone of four commercial nuclear power plants (two in Michigan and two in Illinois). Note: The Palisades nuclear plant in Covert, Mich., was decommissioned in 2022 but is expected to restart in late 2025.
Each nuclear power plant’s Ingestion Pathway Zone is a 50-mile radius. This 50-mile radius requires specialized emergency planning. IDHS provides guidance and policies to ensure state, local and tribal governments have adequate capabilities to protect, respond to and recover from incidents involving commercial licensed nuclear power plants. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is responsible for the on-site emergency preparedness at all U.S. nuclear power plants. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has the lead role with off-site emergency planning and preparedness.
Resources
View the IDHS schedule of fines and civil penalties for violations of laws, rules and requirements of federal programs administered by the agency.
- REP Terms and Booklets
- U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- FEMA and EPA
- REP Quarterly Newsletters
- Training Videos
The following training video modules are shared courtesy of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Watch these videos to learn more about the basics of radiation and nuclear power, as well as how emergencies are handled. Although these trainings have a Minnesota-specific focus, much of the information is applicable to potential incidents that would occur near or in Indiana.
Note: You do not need to enter your information in the learning modules to view them. You can select the Play or Forward buttons to proceed past the prompts for your information.
General
Basics
Intermediate Phase of Nuclear Power Plant Accident (Ingestion)
- Intermediate Phase Basics
- Protective Action Guides, Derived Intervention Levels, Derived Response Levels
First Responders
In the event of a radiation emergency, it is critical that local first responders have background knowledge and understanding of how these types of incidents are handled. This includes learning about evacuation and re-entry, decontamination and EMS and hospital care for radiation exposure. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has a REP Training page that includes dozens of videos that cover these topics targeted for first responders.