There is nothing to fear with a report of an Unusual event. It’s just what it sounds like, an event that doesn’t normally happen. The NRC wants records kept of everything and to have them and the public informed of any things “out of the normally expected parameters.”
Things like tornado warnings within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant can activate an “unusual event” notification.
Here is a little guide to think about....if you were exposed to 400 Rems or more of radiation, you would be facing possible death. In a typical year you will recieve from the sun and background radiation about .003 Rem. Occupational Nuclear Power Plant workers are only allowed to recieve a maximum of 5 Rem per year.
Exel Energy is an outstanding company and I’m sure that the Monticello plant is in excellent hands. That being said, with the above guide you should be able to judge, based on accurate reporting, that if an accident were to happen, what your potential dangers were.
Hope that helps.
P.S. I work in the Nuclear power industry. I have for over 25 years and I haven’t gone over 5 Rem total in my lifetime. Nuclear plant workers are actually quite concerned about not just protecting themselves but their surrounding communities, which contains their families. If you have any questions, I’m sure Monticello has a place where you can contact people with your concerns.
NRC is Monitoring North Anna and other Nuclear Plants on East Coast Following the Earthquake