Reactor simulation will take place Monday

Columbia- Don’t be alarmed by the sirens and emergency vehicles on the MU campus Monday morning — the Research Reactor Center will be conducting an emergency simulation.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires the MU Research Reactor to conduct drills every two years. This provides an opportunity for emergency response agencies and reactor staff to prepare for a real-life emergency situation.

“Every year the research reactor has an emergency simulation where there is a situation rehearsed and played out by faculty,” MU spokesman Christian Basi said. “Every other year we invite emergency personnel from outside MU to take part in the simulation. This is one of those years.”

The original drill was scheduled for July 19 but was postponed due to heavy rain. Basi told the Missourian earlier that the drill “would have required employees to be outside for a long period of time during the rain.”

The reactor is located west of Providence Road, just south of Stadium Boulevard.