Crisis in Japan

There have been concerns regarding the potential impact of radiation coming from the damaged Fukushima Nuclear Power Facility in Japan.

Federal, state and local health and emergency management officials are continuously monitoring the situation and have reported that the emergency poses no danger at this time for California. These agencies utilize a number of redundant monitoring systems capable of detecting any significant elevation in radiation levels. Riverside County Office of Education will continue to monitor the agencies’ directions and will provide updates as appropriate.

All schools in Riverside have Safe School Plans and discuss our response on chemical, biological and radiological releases including shelter-in-place for potential outdoor releases.  These plans are updated annually or as necessary. 

Both State and County Health experts are advising people to remain informed of the situation by obtaining accurate and authoritative information. The following sites can provide more information:

Health experts are advising residents to remain informed of the situation by obtaining accurate information.  For information regarding the risk of radiation exposure to Californians, please visit the following sites:

Local

• Riverside County Media Releases
• Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Daily Radiation Monitoring Update
  http://www.aqmd.gov/news1/2011/Radiationmonitoring.htm
• Riverside County Fire - Office of Emergency Services
  http://www.rvcfire.org/opencms/index.html
• Riverside County Public Health Agency
  http://www.rivcoph.org 

State

• California Department of Public Health
  http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/DEFAULT.aspx

Federal

• U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  http://www.nrc.gov 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/emergencyfaq.asp

Michael D’Amico
(951) 826-6250
mdamico@rcoe.us