FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of the Commonwealth of Virginia

PHILADELPHIA - The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will evaluate a Biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise at the North Anna Power Station (NAPS). The exercise will occur during the week of July 13, 2026, to assess and improve the ability of the Commonwealth of Virginia to respond to an emergency at the nuclear facility.

"These drills are held every other year to evaluate 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," said Andre C. McCoy, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3.

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 10:30 am on July 17, 2026. Planned speakers include representatives from FEMA and the NRC. The meeting will take place in-person at:

Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District
620 Caroline Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

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 (REP) Program to (1) ensure the health and safety of citizens living around commercial nuclear power plants would be adequately protected in the event of a nuclear power plant accident and (2) inform and educate the public about radiological emergency preparedness.

REP Program responsibilities cover only "offsite" activities, that is, state/commonwealth 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 NRC.

Additional information on FEMA's REP 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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