Sizewell B

Sizewell B is a nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast. It is the UK’s only Pressurised Water Reactor.

Advice to people in response to a radiation emergency

Although a serious incident at Sizewell B Nuclear Power Station is extremely unlikely, emergency plans are in place to protect people who live, work, or visit the area.

Suffolk County Council leads the planning for any off-site nuclear emergency at Sizewell B. These arrangements comply with the Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations 2019 (REPPIR 2019) and are regularly reviewed and tested.

Emergency planning arrangements around Sizewell B cover different areas:

• 1.35km Zone: Residents and businesses within 1.35km of Sizewell B are provided with stable iodine tablets in advance. In a radiation emergency, people in this area may be advised to shelter immediately and take their tablets when instructed.
• Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ): This covers the area around the station where detailed emergency plans are in place and residents receive specific prior information.
• Outline Planning Zone (OPZ): This wider area extends up to approximately 30km from the station. People in this area may receive information, updates or alerts during an emergency, but protective actions would only be required if advised by the authorities.
• Sizewell Beach and visitors to the area: Visitors to Sizewell Beach and the surrounding area may not have access to shelter or pre-issued stable iodine tablets. If a radiation emergency occurs, they should follow instructions from the emergency services and official information channels. If they are within 1.35 km of Sizewell and are unable to shelter safely, or do not have stable iodine tablets, they may be directed to the designated Emergency Holding Area (EHA) located at the Sizewell Sports & Social Club (SSSC), where stable iodine tablets, information, support and dry decontamination facilities will be available.

Before an Incident

People living within the Sizewell Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ) receive information about:

• What to do if a nuclear incident occurs
• Food and water safety advice
• Stable iodine tablets, where appropriate
• Advice for pets and livestock
• Emergency contacts and sources of information

Stable iodine tablets

Keep your pre-issued stable iodine tablets in a safe place and ensure everyone in your household knows where they are. Stable iodine tablets have been pre-issued to residents and businesses within 1.35 km (0.8 mile) of Sizewell B power station and should only be taken when instructed during a radiation emergency.

Useful contacts

• Suffolk Emergency Helpline: 0345 603 2814 
• Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Unit: 01473 265376