BLAIR, Neb. (AP) – The utilities that run Nebraska’s two nuclear power plants are trying to knock down persistent rumors about safety as Missouri River floodwaters approach. Federal regulators and the media have toured Fort Calhoun and Cooper nuclear plants this week. Omaha Public Power District CEO Gary Gates says there’s no chance of a disaster like the one in Japan after an earthquake and tsunami struck.

The key difference is the river flooding has progressed slowly, giving utilities plenty of preparation time. Fort Calhoun has at least nine backup power sources in place, including six different power lines and two diesel generators.

Cooper also has two main lines of outside power, at least three generators on site and a battery system that can power the plant in an emergency.