New emergency planning zones for Brunswick Nuclear Plant go into effect this November

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. – Residents, businesses and schools located within the 10-mile radius around the Brunswick Nuclear Plant in Southport, N.C., are encouraged to check to see if they have a new emergency planning zone number starting next month. 

Starting Monday, November 2, 2026, community members can use Duke Energy’s interactive map to type in the addresses for their home, place of work, business, school, and more to identify that property’s specific zone number and relocation center should any local- or state-issued instructions be issued in the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency.

The Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) covers an area of approximately 10 miles in all directions around the nuclear power plant; this area covers specific parts within Brunswick and New Hanover counties. 

There are no changes to the size of the EPZ area, but the boundaries for several zones will be changing. The map will also expand from 13 zones to 20 zones, so a property’s zone number may be different starting in November. 

Homes and properties within the 10-mile radius will receive a postcard from Duke Energy in early November about the zone changes and where to find preparedness information concerning the plant. Duke Energy mails a postcard to all properties within the EPZ area annually, which can be found online. 

Over the past two years, local and state emergency management and radiological professionals have worked to identify and reclassify the zone areas to address factors like population changes, new developments, and road capacity. The expansion from 13 zones to 20 zones will help to address these changes and better support public safety actions and evacuation efforts in the event they become necessary. 

Brunswick County, New Hanover County, North Carolina Emergency Management and Duke Energy work together to inform the community about the new Emergency Planning Zones as well as other routine education or updates about the plant such as quarterly siren tests. 

These four organizations serve as core members of the Brunswick Task Force for the nuclear plant, which also includes representatives from several federal, state, and local agencies. Representatives from these organizations meet regularly for radiological preparedness and planning efforts and conduct federally-graded exercises involving the nuclear plant every two years. 

For additional information, visit Duke Energy’s Safety and Preparedness website at duke-energy.com/NuclearEP.

Questions?

Residents can contact their County’s Emergency Management department for information on specific zone changes and preparedness recommendations.

Brunswick County Emergency Management

New Hanover County Emergency Management 

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