Although there is no nuclear power plant in the state, Hancock County is located within the 10-mile radiological emergency planning zone of the Beaver Valley Power Station located in Shippingport, Pa.

The counties of Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and part of Marshall are located within the 50-mile radiological emergency planning zone.

West Virginia state and county emergency management agencies plan for potential radiological emergencies. They distribute safety information to residents. They participate in drills and exercises to practice and improve emergency procedures.

Evacuation: (primary protective measure) Leave the affected area.

• Sheltering: Stay indoors with closed windows and forced ventilation shut off.
• Food Control: Not eating or drinking anything that may have been contaminated by radioactive isotopes.
• Potassium Iodide: A safe and stable form of iodine which provides protection from radioiodine. Residents of Hancock County may contact the County Health Department at (304) 564-3344 or the Office of Emergency Services at (304) 564-4040 for more information about this protective measure.