Simulated nuclear plant drill to run Tuesday

When public safety authorities begin scrambling around Red Wing Tuesday, residents shouldn’t be alarmed – it’s only a test.

The state’s Department of Public Safety and other agencies will respond to a simulated emergency at the Prairie Island nuclear plant. The exercise will take place in and around the nuclear plant in Goodhue, Pierce and Dakota counties.

According to a Department of Public Safety press release, the drill will “test the capabilities of all responsible agencies to take decisive action to an emergency incident.” Agencies involved include the state public safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Xcel Energy, Prairie Island Indian Community, the state of Wisconsin and Goodhue, Pierce and Dakota counties.

State public safety officials will evaluate the response during a similar exercise in August, according to the release.

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