Video of explosions at a nuclear power plant north of Tokyo and news of a partial meltdown in the wake of last week's earthquake bring back memories of Chernobyl across the world.
Connecticut's only operating nuclear power plant, Millstone in Waterford, generates 2,000 megawatts of power from two operating units at the entrance to Niantic Bay. Residents nearby say they are OK with having a nuclear power plant in their backyard.
"When the stations were first designed, they were designed with all phenomena in mind -- earthquakes, hurricanes and flooding," Millstone Power Station communications manager Kenneth Holt said.
Waterford First Selectman Daniel Steward said Millstone is a good neighbor, and that though the partial meltdown in Japan gives him pause, he doesn't think it's changed anyone's mind.
Emily Spathakis, of East Lyme, isn't worried.
"We have no fear. I don't think we should be concerned. It's a good source of energy and I think we'll be fine," she said.
"I know there are a lot of safety precautions put in place, so it doesn't worry me," Andrea Seitz, of East Lyme, said.
In the unlikely event of an emergency, Steward said, his town is ready.
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"We utilize the sirens and we have zones where we can choose to go to different areas. We've got the ability of figure out who needs to be evacuated based on wind direction."
Towns, including Waterford, also have a supply of Potassium Iodine tablets ready for citizens to protect against radiation poisoning.
