Nuclear safety and emergency preparedness

Preparedness = power

At Ontario Power Generation (OPG), we believe there is no such thing as being too prepared.

See how we build safety into every step of our energy production and learn about the comprehensive emergency preparedness plans for Ontarians.

Strictest safety standards

Our stations operate inside the strictest of standards and regulatory requirements to ensure our communities are always safe.

OPG is responsible for developing and maintaining Emergency Plans that would be used in the very unlikely event of a nuclear emergency. We ensure responses to any given number of emergency scenarios are tested on a regular basis. And we plan for the future by responsibly and effectively managing the energy needs and safety concerns of Ontarians.

OPG is a prudent partner in Ontario’s safe energy production, which is why emergency preparedness is part of every facility’s plan.

What you can expect

In the unlikely event of a nuclear accident, OPG would notify local and provincial governments within fifteen minutes, and provincial/regional officials would then notify the public of next steps in any impacted areas through sirens, automated phone calls, and widespread announcements via the National Public Alerting system, radio, TV, social media, and the web.

Keeping you safe

A female worker in a hard hat uses a tablet computer near a electrical components.

Regulatory oversight

Learn about the many regulatory bodies that help govern and hold OPG’s nuclear operations to the highest safety standards.

An airlock in a nuclear power station.

Radiation safety

Learn about OPG’s commitment to radiation safety and the responsible management of facilities to minimize environmental impact.
An authorized nuclear operator examines control room panels at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

Nuclear safety systems

OPG’s primary commitment is to the safety and security of Ontario’s communities. Explore our Nuclear Safety Systems to learn more.
A nuclear security officer sitting at a computer workstation.

Nuclear security

See how OPG builds security and safety into each step of our nuclear energy production for Ontario.

Everyone has a role to play

See how nuclear safety includes our partners, communities and regulatory bodies working together.

Emergency Management Ontario, is responsible for public safety during nuclear emergencies.

This agency administers the Provincial Nuclear Emergency Response Plan and has overall responsibility for managing the off-site response to nuclear emergencies. If a nuclear emergency were to take place, the provincial government would determine the appropriate level of public action.


Through the Durham Emergency Management Office, local municipalities have emergency plans in place to implement the provincial plan.

Importantly, it is their emergency responders, police, fire and ambulance crews who make sure the emergency plans are implemented properly.

Residents near nuclear facilities are responsible for being informed, and knowing what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency.

If an emergency occurs, the province alerts people through a combination of sirens, automated telephone messages and radio, television and social media alerts in the area.

Potassium iodide (KI) pills are a key component to keeping you and your family safe in the unlikely event of an accident.

All homes and businesses within 10 km of nuclear facilities are encouraged to have KI pills on hand. Anyone within 50 km of nuclear facilities is welcome to order KI pills for delivery.

In addition, OPG and our partners assembled an Emergency Awareness Kit containing an updated nuclear safety brochure, a pen light and an emergency checklist magnet. All are contained in a durable folio box, which has room to conveniently store your KI pills.

In 2017, these Emergency Awareness Kits were mailed out to all residents and businesses within a 10 km radius of both the Pickering and Darlington nuclear generating stations.

If you did not receive your kit, please contact us by email through the form at the bottom of this web page.

Illustration of a hand holding a box of Ki Pills.

Prepare to be safe

In the highly unlikely event of a nuclear accident, a potassium iodide (KI) pill is a key component to keeping you and your family safe.

Emergency management plans

Explore the following plans for your area.
Preparedness = power

Nuclear Safety Brochure (PDF)
Durham Emergency Preparedness Banner

Durham Emergency Management Office (DEMO)
Darlington nuclear from above

Durham Region Emergency Public Alerting System
Pickering fire services

City of Pickering Emergency Management
City of Toronto skyline

City of Toronto Public Safety and Alerts
A view of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station with greenery in the foreground

Pickering NGS Development of Evacuation Time Estimates
Darlington Nuclear Generating Station

Darlington NGS Development of Evacuation Time Estimates
Clarington fire fighters

Municipality of Clarington Emergency Planning
Oshawa fire station

City of Oshawa Emergency Management
Nuclear safety vehicle

CNSC Emergency Management and Nuclear Safety

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