"A nuclear watchdog is warning about "shortcomings" in emergency preparedness at nuclear weapons facilities around the country.

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board said the federal government is not ready to respond to natural disasters at nuclear defense facilities run by the Department of Energy.

In a recommendation to Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz that will run in Tuesday's edition of the Federal Register, the watchdog suggested stronger emergency preparedness regulations to help these nuclear plants stand up to catastrophes like earthquakes and wildfires."

Tim Devaney reports for The Hill September 22, 2014. [2]