Newport News to Participate in Surry Nuclear Power Station Emergency Response Drill

On Tuesday, July 23, the City of Newport News will participate in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) graded exercise to assess our ability to respond to an emergency at the Surry Nuclear Power Station. Neighboring cities and counties will also participate in the exercise, which takes place every two years. The purpose of the drill is to test the city’s Radio logical Response Plan, as well as those of Dominion Energy, the state and other localities, to identify any deficiencies or areas of improvement needed to keep residents safe.
During the exercise, teams will be given a disaster scenario and will be required to respond accordingly. Simulation activities include establishing Evacuation Assembly Centers, holding mock press conferences, conducting public awareness activities, coordinating evacuation routes, and more. Staff will be at the Newport News Emergency Operations Center while others, including police, fire, public works, and other teams will be working in the field.
“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said Mary Ann Tierney, FEMA Region III Regional Administrator. “We will assess state and local emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone, as well as the adjacent support jurisdictions.”
FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise in a public meeting at 10:00 a.m. on July 26 at the Newport News Marriott at City Center, 740 Town Center Drive. Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
For more information about the Surry Nuclear Power Station, please visit the Dominion Energy site. In addition to information about the power station, you’ll be able to access the Surry safety and emergency preparedness guide, evacuation zones, routes, and assembly centers.