FEMA To Evaluate Limerick Station's Preparedness In Drill Tuesday

LIMERICK, PA — An area-wide drill testing emergency procedures at Limerick Generating Station will be evaluated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday.

The drill, which begins at 4 p.m. and will run until 8 p.m., will impact the 10-mile radius surrounding the station.

FEMA said they run this drill at nuclear plants around the country every other year both to inform the public about nuclear emergency preparedness, and to ensure proper steps are being taken to protect the public in the event of an incident.

All surrounding fire departments and first responders will be participating in the drill in "simulated emergency activity," and it's likely residents will see an increased number of emergency vehicles in the area, as well as chatter on emergency scanner stations. Sirens at the station will be activated. Do not be alarmed, as all of this is part of the drill.

"These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety," MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA's Region III Regional Administrator, said in a statement. "We will assess state and local emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone of the nuclear facility, as well as adjacent support jurisdictions within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

Emergency responders in Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties will be part of the drill.

Following the drill, FEMA will present the preliminary findings of their evaluation at a public meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott Valley Forge on Nov. 22 at 10 a.m.

FEMA must then send a report to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission within 90 days; the final report must be made public within 120 days, the agency said.

This test should not be confused with Limerick Station's own biannual siren test.