FEMA will evaluate Virginia’s emergency response readiness during a biennial radiological preparedness exercise at the North Anna Power Station during the week of July 13, 2026.
The exercise is designed to assess and improve the Commonwealth of Virginia’s ability to respond to a potential emergency at the nuclear facility, with a focus on offsite emergency planning and response capabilities.
FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator Andre C. McCoy said the drills are held every other year to evaluate the government’s ability to protect public health and safety.
“We will assess commonwealth and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” McCoy said.
FEMA said it will submit its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission within 90 days of the exercise. The NRC will use the findings as part of its licensing decision-making process. A final report is expected to be made available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.
Preliminary findings from the exercise will be presented at a public meeting at 10:30 a.m. on July 17, 2026 at the Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District. Representatives from FEMA and the NRC are expected to speak.
FEMA established the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program to help ensure people living near commercial nuclear power plants are protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and to educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.
The program focuses on offsite activities, including state, commonwealth and local government emergency planning and preparedness outside nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities remain the responsibility of the NRC.
Additional information about FEMA’s Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program is available from the agency.
