Planning for spontaneous evacuation during a radiological emergency

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Nucl. Saf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6974570

Johnson, Jr, J H

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) radiological emergency preparedness program ignores the potential problem of spontaneous evacuation during a nuclear reactor accident. To show the importance of incorporating the emergency spatial behaviors of the population at risk in radiological emergency preparedness and response plans, this article presents empirical evidence that demonstrates the potential magnitude and geographic extent of spontaneous evacuation in the event of an accident at the Long Island Lighting Company's Shoreham Nuclear Power Station. The results indicate that, on the average, 39% of the population of Long Island is likely to evacuate spontaneously and thus to cast an evacuation shadow extending at least 25 miles beyond the plant. On the basis of these findings, necessary revisions to FEMA's radiological emergency preparedness program are outlined.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Los Angeles
• OSTI ID: 6974570
• Journal Information: Nucl. Saf.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Saf.; (United States) Vol. 25:2; ISSN NUSAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220900* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
ACCIDENTS
BWR TYPE REACTORS
EMERGENCY PLANS
ENRICHED URANIUM REACTORS
EVACUATION
HUMAN POPULATIONS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POPULATION RELOCATION
POPULATIONS
POWER REACTORS
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
REACTOR SITES
REACTORS
SHOREHAM REACTOR
THERMAL REACTORS
US FEMA
US ORGANIZATIONS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS