Through planning efforts, the REP Division works closely with numerous federal, state, and local agencies to safeguard the health and safety of St. Lucie County residents, in the event of a radiological emergency. The Radiological Emergency Preparedness Plan was developed and is reviewed annually to ensure that it is comprehensive and meets all applicable guidelines mandated by FEMA.

The REP Division uses training and exercises as another avenue to prepare for a radiological emergency at the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant and to further validate the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Plan. 

Annually, REP staff trains first responders in basic radiological emergency protocols and procedures so that they may properly respond to a radiological incident.

Lastly, REP staff also organizes and participates in several drills and exercises, which are evaluated by FEMA. The drills include:  Communications Drills, Medical Service Drills, Emergency Worker Decontaminations, Ingestion Pathway and Post-plume phase drills. The exercises include: Hostile Action Based, Ingestion Exposure Pathway, and Plume Exposure Pathway.

St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant warning sirens are positioned strategically throughout St. Lucie County. The sirens are to be used in the event of a radiological emergency at the plant as it provides a quick means of notification and reaches a substantial number of residents. The sirens are designed to alert residents while they are outside of their home or business; the news media will send out alerts through the TV and radio stations for those that are inside their home or business.

The sirens are tested routinely on the first Thursday of March, June, September and December by REP Staff.

In the unlikely event of a radiological emergency at the St. Lucie Nuclear Power plant, public safety officials will issue protective actions. In this case, the options for protecting the public are: sheltering in place and evacuation. Sheltering in place means you should go inside and stay inside. If you must evacuate, follow evacuate routes to leave the area.

Sheltering in place and evacuation are viable and essential methods to protect the health and safety of St. Lucie County residents.