ML19339A946

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Responds to Re Initial Actions for Public Safety During Severe Nuclear Power Plant Accidents.Nrc Position Favors Sheltering Rather than Evacuation While Accident Severity Is Being Assessed
ML19339A946
Person / Time
Issue date: 10/03/1980
From: Grimes B
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To: Elleman D
AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED
Shared Package
ML19339A947 List:
References
NUDOCS 8011060035
Download: ML19339A946 (2)


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W. RC PUBUC DOMENT ROOM UNITED STATES e

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October 3, 1980 Miss Debra Elleman 704 Davidson Street Raleigh, North Carolina 27609

Dear Miss Elleman:

i This responds to yor: Actter of September 17, 1980 with regard to initial actions for the public during severe nuclear powcr plant accidents. The preferred initial action, while assessments of accident severity are being made, is sheltering rather than evacuation. This is to minimize pot.ential exposures by taking advantage of the protection against radiation provided by the roofs and walls of houses and other buildings.

An immediate evacuation order might result in unnecessary exposure to radiation of people outdoors.

liowever, evacuation might well be recommended once the severity of the accident is assessed and a decision made on whether evacuation or shelter would best minimize public exposures under those particular conditions.

Evacuation might also be an appropriate precautionary action if a severe accident occurred within the plant but significant radiation releases were thought to be perhaps several hours away.

Sincerely,

,M,

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g Brian K. Grimes, Program Director Emergency Preparedness Program Office Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation t

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