Released August 1, 2008
Emergency responders will test the County’s response plan for an emergency at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station on Thursday, August 7 at Carlsbad High School at 9:30 a.m.
Every six years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency requires the County and other agencies to conduct this exercise. This year’s exercise is being coordinated by the County Office of Emergency Services, along with other County departments and local fire and law enforcement agencies.
“This drill provides a great opportunity to exercise our plans and procedures and demonstrate our ability to protect the health and safety of the public, in the unlikely event of a radiological release from San Onofre.” said Ron Lane, Director of the County Office of Emergency Services.
If an emergency were to occur at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, people at San Onofre State Beach would be evacuated south to Carlsbad High School, 3557 Lancer Way, Carlsbad. At the high school, a reception center would be set up to receive the evacuees. No residents of San Diego County live within the plant’s 10-mile evacuation zone. Camp Pendleton residents have their own evacuation plan.
During Thursday’s exercise, emergency workers will operate portal monitors that detect radioactive residue. In a real emergency, anyone who tested positive for radiation would be decontaminated and issued paper gowns to wear in exchange for their contaminated clothing. Red Cross staff would also provide registration and care services at the school.
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Editor’s note: The media are invited to cover this exercise. However, because this is a graded exercise, access will be controlled to avoid potential disruptions to the participants.
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