PHILADELPHIA, PA — Federal officials will soon test Pennsylvania’s ability to respond to a potential nuclear emergency at the Limerick Generating Station, as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced plans for a full-scale radiological preparedness exercise on November 18, 2025.
The biennial drill is designed to measure how effectively state and local agencies can protect residents in the event of a nuclear incident. FEMA’s evaluation will focus on the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone surrounding the Montgomery County facility.
“These drills are held every other year to evaluate government’s ability to protect public health and safety,” said Lilian Hutchinson, Acting Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 3. “We will assess state and local government emergency response capabilities within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
The exercise, part of FEMA’s Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program, will test emergency coordination, public notification systems, evacuation procedures, and interagency communication. FEMA will submit its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) within 90 days, where it will be used in ongoing licensing decisions. A final report will be released to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise.
FEMA will present preliminary findings at a public meeting scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on November 21, 2025, at the Courtyard Reading Wyomissing in Berks County. Representatives from FEMA and the NRC will brief attendees and may request written comments for further review.
The REP Program, established to safeguard communities near commercial nuclear facilities, focuses on offsite preparedness efforts — including local emergency plans, public education, and coordinated response strategies. The NRC oversees onsite safety operations within the plant itself.
For residents living near the Limerick Generating Station, FEMA’s upcoming drill offers both reassurance and reminder — that constant vigilance and coordinated preparedness remain essential for protecting communities in the shadow of nuclear energy.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.