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A nuclear accident in the Netherlands

The likelihood of a radiation incident in the Netherlands is small. Nuclear installations such as nuclear power plants are safe and comply with strict requirements. However, if an accident does happen at a nuclear plant, radioactive material may be released into the environment. This can cause higher radiation levels. The government will then take measures to protect people.

Think ahead

  • Make sure you have NL-Alert working on your mobile phone. If there is an incident near you, the NL-Alert will tell you what is going on, what to do and where to find more information.
  • Know how to turn off the gas, electricity and ventilation at home.
  • A nuclear facility’s surroundings are areas where the government takes immediate measures in case of a nuclear accident. Read more about this on the website of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ANVS) (information in Dutch only).
  • Immediate measures in case of a nuclear accident may include evacuation, sheltering and taking iodine tablets. See here for more tips (information in Dutch only). 

What can you do yourself in the event of a nuclear accident?

  • In case of larger accidents, for example with a nuclear power plant in or near the Netherlands, it may be necessary to take shelter. You will be told by the government to do this via NL-alert on your mobile phone. You stay inside your home or at the place where you are at that moment, and close windows and doors and turn off ventilation. This measure may last up to 48 hours. Therefore, make sure you have an emergency kit.
  • You may be instructed by the government to take iodine tablets. This depends on your place of residence and age, for example. If you belong to the target group, you have received the tablets at your home address. Remember where you keep these iodine tablets. Note: never just take an iodine tablet; it only protects if it is taken at the right time. So always wait for and follow government instructions. 
  • For more information on iodine tablets, visit rijksoverheid.nl (information in Dutch only). 
  • Up-to-date information can be found at www.government.nl, the website of your security region or via your local radio or TV station.  Follow the government's instructions.

Government actions

There is a lot of time between the occurrence of a nuclear accident and when radioactive material can enter the environment. By then, the government has already been alerted and immediately takes measures to protect people. What those measures are varies per situation and depends on the severity of the accident. The government can take various measures:

  • Telling people to take shelter (enter building or stay inside).
  • Some groups of people are advised to take iodine tablets.
  • Evacuate people from an area.
  • Other types of measures may also be taken. For example, keeping livestock indoors mandatorily or closing horticultural greenhouses where food is grown. Whether this is necessary depends on the type of accident, the distance from the accident and, for example, the wind direction.