V. EMERGENCY RESPONSE

BACKGROUND

Coordination is the key factor in the management of emergency situations, ranging from the direct communication between emergency responders in a shared emergency operations center and the ability to communicate on the same radio frequency during an emergency, to the provision of accurate and timely public information. The successful coordination of emergency responders is dependent on integrated planning and organization with clearly defined roles, responsibilities and missions, as well as with shared planning, exercises and drills. Emergency response plans should include the following traits:

ISSUES

The protection of public health and safety is a primary responsibility of local government and emergency response is a basic function of local government. Local governments that host or are adjacent to Department of Energy (DOE) facilities are the primary emergency responders to incidents that threaten the general health and safety of the adjacent population. DOE and its contractors must work with local governments to ensure that emergency response plans minimize impacts to the health and safety of adjacent communities.

• Warning systems that notify the public of potential threats, evacuations, the location of emergency shelters, and medical care in a timely manner.
• Communication systems with layers of redundancies in case of system failures.
• The inclusion of local authorities and first responders in emergency response planning and drills.
• Joint reviews and evaluations of drills and live incidents in order to identify weaknesses and strengths of the existing plan.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.  Use current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) policies (“Requirements for Fixed Nuclear Facility Emergency Preparedness” NUREG – 0654/FEMA REP-1) as a model for emergency management and response.

2.  Combine forces with local governments at their sites to maintain integrated emergency management systems. An integrated approach to emergency management incorporates all available resources for the full range of emergencies, from natural disasters to nuclear attack, and the full range of issues relating to emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

3.  Utilize existing local emergency response organizations. These regional entities should be responsible for on- and off-site issues in the area. The “team” approach would ensure that a joint force of local and federal entities protects the community and DOE workers on the site should an “event” occur.

4.  Ensure that local governments along the transportation corridors and in DOE site communities are trained and own sufficient equipment to contend with DOE emergency response issues whether of nuclear or non-nuclear origins.

5.  Improve its notification to and coordination of information with local governments and local emergency responders in DOE communities and along transportation corridors. DOE has a responsibility to ensure that local governments receive all necessary information in a timely manner.

6.  Coordinate with local governments to create educational programs to inform communities of pertinent facts about the dangers of radioactive and hazardous materials.