FEMA To Evaluate Readiness Of Pennsylvania
Emergency preparedness exercise scheduled for the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station
Release Date: October 14, 2008
Release Number: R3-08-081
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency will evaluate a Biennial Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in Berwick, Pa., during the week of October 20. The exercise will test the capability of the off-site response organizations to respond to a simulated emergency at the nuclear facility.
"These drills are held every other year to test state and local governments' ability to protect public health and safety," said Jonathan Sarubbi, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III. "We will evaluate state and local emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile emergency-planning zone of the nuclear facility."
Within 90 days, FEMA will send a report of their evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public about 120 days after the exercise.
FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise in a public meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, at the East Mountain Inn and Suites, 2400 East End Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Scheduled speakers include representatives from FEMA, NRC, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 10-Nov-2008 16:09:18