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Living Near A Nuclear Power Plant

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Some people living near a nuclear power plant may not be fully aware of the immediate and potential consequences. According to initiatives from The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC; the federal agency that monitors the safe operation of nuclear stations), the concern is for homes and businesses within 10 km of nuclear power station. Homeowners, should be aware of the potential health impact, as well as the impact on the value of their homes.

This post will help in guiding you to become more aware of both the health and financial issues of living in proximity to a nuclear power plant. You will be made aware of sources for information about potential health hazards to you, your family and employees. In addition, you will be made aware of potential consequences to owning a home or business in proximity to a nuclear power plant.

Living in Proximity to the Pickering Nuclear Power Plant

This map depicts a 10 km radius around the Pickering Nuclear Power Plant. This distance was used because The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) now requires that all homes and businesses within 10 km of a nuclear power station receive a supply of potassium iodide (KI) pills.  I am not aware of why they chose a 10 km distance or the difference in impact to a 15 km distance.

Map of 10 km distances from Pickering Nuclear Power Plant

Map showing 10 km distance from the Pickering Power Plant near Toronto

Home Value Near Nuclear Power Plant

It is not unusual for homes in proximity to Nuclear Power Plants sell at lower prices than similar homes outside the 10 km radius of the plant. This difference in price is due to the stigma of being near a potential source of radioactivity and potential for a major incident. Though some people can live their daily lives with this concern, many would rather pay higher prices to live with the belief that they are safer from these risks.

The reality is that if there were to be major incident at a nearby nuclear power plant, then the value of nearby homes would be significantly impacted. In cases where long-term or permanent evacuation were mandated, the property would be pretty much useless. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance does not cover nuclear or radiation damage.

Of course, there would be law suits filed. But, these take years to work through and if the owners don’t die during the incident, they may be dead by the time any lawsuits are settled. It is unlikely that the true damage to one’s family and life could be recouped from any lawsuit. Lives could be destroyed.

If you are one of those individuals that is not willing to live with the potential hazard and stress of living within a 10km radius of the Pickering Power Plant and you would like to move, I provide a full service that includes assessing the value of your present home, identifying neighbourhoods you may want to move to and creating a plan to get you moved within the budget and resources at your disposal. You can contact me via email (baldo@baldominaudo.com) or by telephone to book a complimentary consultation session.

Employees, Tradespeople and Sales People

There are many employees that work daily within the 10km radius of the Pickering Power Plant. There are also many tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, drivers, etc.) that come in and out or through the area every day. The area also covers a large portion of Highway 401 which has hundreds of thousands of cars moving through it every day.

Be Prepared For An Incident

Meanwhile, you might want to read the post from MetroActive for how to prepare for an incident and what to do if one happens. Also, check out the “Security and Safety” Links in the “tools & links” section of this website for how to order free treatment pills from the government for radiation poisoning.

Information Only

This post was prepared strictly for awareness of potential issues and not to alarm any individuals or create panic. It is highly unlikely that a massive nuclear radioactivity incident were to happen at most nuclear power plants. It is your sole responsibility to conduct your research to be fully aware of the potential consequences and mitigating options so that you can make an informed decisions for yourself and your family.

Sources of Information

Nuclear Radiation and Health Effects

Radiation Health Effects

Pickering Nuclear Generating Station

https://preparetobesafe.ca/

Disclaimer

This is not an exhaustive discussion of issues and consequences of living or working near a nuclear power plant, but simply meant to get you started on your research. I am not a medical, nor nuclear professional and it is your responsibility to verify any information that may be provided in this post. This post does not represent the opinions or viewpoints of Real Estate Homeward Brokerage or any other entity.

5 Things You Can Do To Drastically Increase Your Home Security

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Those that have experienced home invasions, break-ins or robberies know all too well the tremendous emotional and financial impact it can have on your life. Though you can get insurance for the value of your belongings, you can’t replace their sentimental value. Even more significant is the impact it can have on your sense of personal security and privacy. The thought of a criminal going through your personal belongings, knowing they were going trough your bedroom, diaries, and who knows what else can leave you feeling extremely vulnerable.

In most cases, a homeowner can prevent burglary with some common sense measures. Some of these measures are so simple, yet surprisingly, most people don’t bother. Hence, the increasing degree of home burglaries.

5 Things You Can Do To Increase Your Home Security

1. Visibility – Keeping your doors and windows visible to neighbours

It has always been known that most criminals do not want to be seen breaking and entering into a home. However, in recent years, burglars have become more brazen with daytime break-ins. Often they’ll call a home or knock on the door and if there is no answer, they’ll assume no one is home. That’s when they’ll break-in. Even then, they don’t want to be seen by nosy neighbours.

Homes that have enclosed veranda’s, tall hedges and other ornaments that block view of the doors and windows from neighbours are preferred targets for burglars.  So, trim down or better yet remove shrubbery, trees and other items blocking your windows and doors.

2.  Lighting – Keep it lit brightly

Bright LED lights around the outside of your home are a strong deterrent for burglars. Even better are LED lights with motion sensors, because then it catches your attention and the attention of neighbours when a light comes on unexpectedly. Use several lights in a tiered field approach. For example, near the home the LEDs stay on and then at certain access points or perimeters of the property used LED lights with motion sensors. That way the burglars know everything is well lit and in case they still try to approach they’re surprised by the unexpected extra LEDs turning on.

3. Reinforced Doors Specifically Designed for Home Security

Sometimes burglars will stake out your home for days, recording your patterns and those of neighbours before breaking in. In that situation, the lights and visibility will not work. Then you have to go to the second stage of defense with hardware. Heavy duty metal doors or Doors reinforced with metal are much more difficult to break into than most popular doors. By the time a burglar breaks through one of these doors, the whole neighbourhood would have heard the commotion. They’re more expensive but when you’re facing the possibility of an armed intruder or burglar, you’ll wish you had installed them. Just remember that you also have to get the reinforced door frame, otherwise the door won’t hold.

4. Heavy Duty Locks & Bolts Specifically Designed for Home Security

The quickest and easiest way to increase your security is by upgrading your entry door locks and bolts. In the past lock companies focused on avoiding being picked open, now with burglars simply kicking doors open, they seem to be focused more on the mechanical engineering. Look for things liked thicker and longer bolts that lock into the frame, larger and longer screws that secure the both receptacle into the frame, expanded metal plates for the frame and wrap-around and extended metal braces for the door itself.

Then there are the traditional deadbolts which are well-used in cities like New York and which seemed to have been more used in Toronto’s days past. However, they are effective, especially when used with reinforced frames and doors. These will make it harder to kick in the door without having to replace the whole door.

5. Home Security Cameras

Over the last few years the design of security cameras has significantly improved with increased sharpness, night vision and even internet access. You can get them in wired or wireless format. The price has dropped significantly over the last 3 years and you can now get a complete 4 camera with internet connectivity for as little as $300 Canadian. Some of these cameras allow you to identify zones on your property which if movement is detected it’ll set off the alarm, email, text you or all three. You can then check out the cameras’ live feed through your mobile app or even search past video footage.

These security cameras may not stop every break-in, but it will deter some of them and even help police in catching the burglars and perhaps recovering your property. It also helps with your insurance claim and may even help lower your insurance premiums.

The sooner you start implementing these measures, the sooner you’ll have greater home security and piece of mind. Stay safe in your home sweet home and sleep well at night.

#homesecurity #homesafety #antitheft #theftdeterrent