Simulation of a nuclear emergency at the Sellafield plant in Cumbria

An important safety exercise is underway at Sellafield, in Cumbria, to simulate an emergency in a nuclear plant. Residents near the reprocessing plant may hear the siren sound and receive notifications via SMS, email, or phone calls if they have joined the alert service. In the event of an alarm, the site gates are closed and the area is sealed off. These large-scale safety tests must be performed at least once a year and are supervised by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). The exercise takes place in broad daylight, but specific details on timing and scenario are not disclosed in advance. All visitors to the site must follow the instructions given. At the end, ONR inspectors will provide analysis and suggestions for future improvements.