Residents, businesses and schools within the plant’s 10-mile emergency planning area should verify their new zone designation using Duke Energy’s updated interactive map.
Brunswick / New Hanover Counties, NC —
Residents of Brunswick and New Hanover counties who live, work, or attend school within TEN miles of the Brunswick Nuclear Plant in Southport will have a new Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) number beginning Monday, November 2, 2026 for updated emergency planning zone boundaries.
Officials said community members will be able to use Duke Energy’s online interactive map at duke-energy.com/NuclearEP to enter an address and determine the property’s new EPZ designation, assigned relocation center, and recommended evacuation information in the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency.
The overall emergency planning area remains unchanged, continuing to cover approximately 10 miles around the Brunswick Nuclear Plant. However, the number of planning zones is increasing from 13 to 20, meaning many addresses could receive a different zone number than they have today.
Officials said the changes follow a two-year review by local and state emergency management and radiological preparedness professionals. The revised zone layout was developed to account for population growth, new development, and roadway capacity throughout the area. The expansion to 20 zones is intended to improve evacuation planning and public safety if emergency protective actions ever become necessary.
Property owners within the 10-mile EPZ will also receive a postcard from Duke Energy in early November containing information about the updated zones and emergency preparedness resources. Duke Energy annually mails preparedness information to properties within the planning area.
The Brunswick Nuclear Plant emergency planning area includes portions of Brunswick and New Hanover counties. Nuclear emergency preparedness plans are maintained jointly by Duke Energy, county emergency management agencies, and state officials, with exercises and planning activities conducted regularly.
Residents can learn more and check their updated emergency planning zone designation beginning November 2
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