Evaluation of protective action risks
The purpose of this study is to determine how the risks of the protective action of evacuation compare with the radiological risks from a radiation release if no protective actions are taken. Evacuation risks of death and injury have been determined by identifying from newspapers and other sources 902 possible evacuation events which occurred in the US during the period January 1, 1973 through April 30, 1986. A survey form was developed to determine evacuation risks and other information relating to the evacuation events and sent to local emergency management personnel located in the vicinity of 783 events. There were 310 completed surveys received and the data summarized. This study found that the key factors for a successful evacuation included an emergency plan, good communications and coordination, practice drills, and defined authority. Few successful evacuations used the emergency broadcasting system or warning sirens to communicate the need to evacuate. Reports of panic and traffic jams during an evacuation were very few. Traffic jams occurring during reentry were more likely than during the evacuation exodus. A summary of potential societal consequences of evacuation is included in this study. 5 refs., 9 figs., 20 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park (USA). Dept. of Nuclear Engineering; Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (USA). Div. of Reactor Accident Analysis
- OSTI ID:
- 6525459
- Report Number(s):
- NUREG/CR-4726; ON: TI87900879
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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