Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1066955
Relations provides clear, credible and timely information to our communities and stakeholders," said Stephanie Cooper, vice president of Public Relations. "The Farley emergency communications team is to be commended for their relentless and focused preparation for this successful drill exercize." During an actual event, the degree of activity at both the CMC and JIC would depend on the severity of the emergency. During October's drill, employees of Alabama Power, Southern Nuclear and the various agencies practiced how they would respond from both facilities during an emergency. The NRC uses four classifications to describe the severity of emergencies at nuclear plants: notice of unusual event, alert, site area and general emergency. The classifications ensure consistency in communications and emergency response across all U.S. nuclear plants. The graded drill included a general emergency, which is the most serious classification. A comprehensive plan has been developed by Southern Nuclear and approved by the NRC and other agencies for response to an emergency at Plant Farley. The plan specifies procedures, personnel, facilities and equipment that would be used to respond. The plan also defines and assigns responsibilities, and outlines a course of action for safeguarding the public, personnel and property. The company conducts drills annually, even though the exercises are only graded every other year. "I just say job well done to everyone who participated in the evaluated exercise. It is a pleasure to work with this team, and their commitment to the success of our nuclear emergency preparedness is greatly appreciated," Brannon said. The 2019 drill will not be evaluated. Practice drills will take place in June and August leading up to the next full-scale graded exercise in 2020. "Every time we do a graded drill, we come away with important feedback from our evaluators, and we use that to get beer," Pigo said. "And even in the off years, having that practice helps us identify ways to improve." By Justin Averee 26 drill high marks ENERGY Mark Jerald handles video production, above, while Justin Averette and Bob Blalock answer phones.