REACTORS

In a SHTF scenario, safety features of nuclear reactors might be significantly incapable of preventing a meltdown. As we have seen in Japan, a country that gave us the word tsunami, their backup plan of diesel generators failed because the tsunami took them out. If your home or safe spot is within 50-100 miles of a nuclear reactor, you need to be aware of the risks. Not everyday risks, I’m sure the authorities have them covered. I mean rare events, any of which could be occurring in a 2012, end of the world situation.

Earthquake - anywhere in the world can have an earthquake. In 2012, a global cataclysm could be setting off earthquakes globally. Authorities saying “we don’t get earthquakes around here” does not equal safety.

Tsunami - your local reactor is only safe if it is a substantial distance from the coast. In the past mile-high tsunamis are known to have occurred. Even a smaller 200 metre tsunami will reach 50-100 kilometres inland, or further if the terrain is flat.

Asteroid – if a large asteroid or comet strikes the ocean, a tsunami will result. If it strikes land, a reactor will be safe unless there is a direct hit. There is twice as much ocean as there is land…

Coronal Mass Ejection – storms from the Sun can take out satellites, and render power-grids inoperable. Unless a reactor has all of their equipment inside a Faraday cage, the instrumentation they need could also be wrecked.

Volcano – aside from a direct hit by a volcanic block (or bomb), ash can shut down power grids and make it very difficult for emergency services to reach the site.

War / Terrorism – a direct strike by a missile would most likely be something that cannot be protected against. A nuclear reactor would certainly be a target during war, or by terrorists.

Hurricane – I would like to think that most facilities could withstand a hurricane, but you never know…

Tornado – I can picture a twister ripping up power cables (if they aren’t underground), destroying a control room and damaging a diesel generator.