“Nuclear incidents are extremely rare,” says Scott Fielder, spokesperson for TVA.
However, staff at TVA’s Sequoyah Nuclear Plant say they are always prepared for anything. “Our operators spend about 20% of their time in this training center, and that’s going to school and making sure that they know the procedures to keep everyone safe,” Fielder says.
Governor Bill Lee announced Tuesday that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has been awarded a $400 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to support development of the nation’s first small modular reactor at the Clinch River Site.
The training facility has various stimulators for workers. Local 3 was told that the center is almost an exact replica for the actual nuclear control center.
Workers train for emergencies, like an explosion or an earthquake. Employees are frequently tested through different stimulation scenarios. They are allowed to enter the actual control room once they pass a number of tests.
Residents seeking help can call or text 2-1-1, United Way’s assistance hotline, to reach one of their trained navigators.
TVA also works to prepare the surrounding community. Fielder says “being prepared is critical before an emergency happens.” He encourages residents to know your zone and your evacuation plan.
These calendars include safety plans for schools, an assistance request card, and need-to-know information in English and Spanish.
TVA says they have sent out 78,000 calendars to neighbors and businesses within a 10 mile radius of the plant.
If you have not received yours, visit their website to get your calendar.
