FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA -FEMA will evaluate the readiness through a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station. The exercise will occur during the week of October 19, 2026, to assess and improve the ability of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

"These drills are held every other year to evaluate the government's ability to protect public health and safety," said Andre C. McCoy, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. "We will assess commonwealth and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.

FEMA will present preliminary findings of the exercise during a public meeting at 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday, October 23, 2026. Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The meeting will take place in-person at:

Courtyard by Marriott Wilkes-Barre Arena
879 Schechter Drive
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702

At the public meeting, FEMA may request that questions or comments be submitted in writing for review and response. Written comments may also be submitted after the meeting by emailing [email protected] or by mail to:

Andre C. McCoy, Regional Administrator

FEMA Region 3
615 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19106

FEMA created the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program to ensure that residents living near commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident. The program also helps inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program responsibilities cover only "offsite" activities: state and local government emergency planning and preparedness activities that take place beyond the nuclear power plant boundaries. Onsite activities continue to be the responsibility of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Additional information on FEMA's Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program is available online at FEMA.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness-Program.

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at [email protected].

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