Emergency Preparedness
A community emergency preparedness is only as good
as the preparedness of its citizens. Make emergency preparedness a
priority for you and your family. There are a number of simple
actions that you and your family can take to better prepare for a
potential emergency.
Pantex – General Emergency Information
The Pantex Plant is a U.S. Department of Energy nuclear weapons facility. Because of the unique operations at the plant, the potential exists for an emergency involving radiological and/or chemical hazards.
If you live or work within the 10-mile Pantex Emergency Planning Zone (see the map below), local officials will use the Emergency Alerting System (EAS), NOAA All-Hazards radios, and outdoor warning sirens to inform you of many types of emergencies, including problems at the Pantex Plant that may affect you. Problems at Pantex are unlikely, but you should be prepared to follow instructions and take protective actions that may include sheltering-in-place or evacuating.
If you are advised to shelter-in-place:
- Stay inside.
- Close all doors and windows.
- Turn off all heating and air conditioning units.
- Turn off all outside exhaust fans or units.
- Cover mouth and nose with damp cloth.
- Listen to radio or television for additional instructions and updated evacuation notices.
If you are advised to evacuate (see evacuation routes below):
- Go directly to the Reception Center located at the Tri-State Fairgrounds at Grand Avenue and East 3rd Avenue in Amarillo.
- Take any medications, baby items, and important documents that you may need with you.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke until advised that it is safe to do so.
10-mile Pantex Emergency Planning Zone:
Emergency Evacuation Routes: