Southern Nuclear and Georgia Power have unveiled a new 'Flex' dome storage building at the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant near Waynesboro, Georgia.

The 39ft-high, reinforced-concrete dome houses portable emergency equipment, including batteries, diesel generators, pumps and communications equipment, which might be needed if power supply is lost for an extended period.

The building is designed to withstand an earthquake, a direct hit by a tornado, and airborne flying objects during a tornado or similar threats. The portable equipment stored inside would be put into service only in the event other redundant resources at the plant were depleted or damaged.

"Safety, and preparation at all levels, is always our top priority at Plant Vogtle," said Keith Taber, site vice president for Plant Vogtle units 1&2.

"The dome is the most visible part of the Flex strategy, but we've also made modifications throughout the plant that further strengthen our ability to protect the health and safety of our workers and the public."

In response to the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident, the US nuclear industry has worked together to develop 'flexible, diverse strategies for protecting US plants against extreme events. These efforts are referred to as the 'Flex' strategy and include tactics such as domes or other buildings.