ML23200A228
| ML23200A228 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 07/19/2023 |
| From: | Tanya Smith Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML23200A228 (1) | |
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NRC Research to Inform Protective Action Strategies Exacting the Science of Emergency Preparedness NRC regulations ensure that protective actions can and will be taken in the event of a radiological emergency.
The NRC conducts studies to ensure our regulations and guidance reflect the current state of knowledge to support effective protective action strategies optimized for public health and safety.
Contact information Todd Smith, PhD Senior Level Advisor (301) 287-3744 todd.smith@nrc.gov Providing insights into effective use of evacuation Quantifying the benefit of shelters and masks Examining the basis for protective action strategies The NRC developed state-of-the art traffic simulation models to better understand evacuation dynamics and to provide insights into effective evacuation practices. The NRC also developed a first-of-kind meta-analysis of the nonradiological health effects of prolonged displacement following various emergency events.
Meta-analysis of Odds Ratio of Health Effects Associated with Displacement The NRC has started a literature review to assess the current scientific understanding of the benefit of shelters and the use of ventilation to control indoor levels of airborne particulates. The NRC staff also explored the use of RAMP radiation protection codes to quantify the benefit of wearing a mask for a radiological emergency.
Current protective action strategies were informed by a studyknown as the PAR Studythat used the NRCs MACCS code to examine the efficacy of various protective actions. MACCS has been significantly upgraded since the time of the PAR Study. The NRC explored how these updates could facilitate and enhance future studies.
Updated MACCS capabilities include Added keyhole evacuation model Capability to model up to 500 plume segments Added HYSPLIT Atmospheric Transport and Dispersion Model in addition to Gaussian plume Enhanced nearfield modeling for building wake effects Economic model update NUREG/CR-7269, Enhancing Guidance for Evacuation Time Estimate Studies NUREG/CR-7285, Nonradiological Health Consequences of Evacuation and Relocation Supplement 3 to NUREG-0654/FEMA-REP-1, Guidance for Protective Action Strategies SAND 2022-3706, Scoping Analysis of MAACS Modeling Improvements for the Study of Protective Action Recommendations https://ramp.nrc-gateway.gov Gathering and sharing best practices The NRC compiled offsite response organization (ORO) capabilities and practices for protecting the public in the intermediate phase of an emergency response to develop a shared understanding and identify best practices.
- Monitoring
- Relocation & reentry
- Food condemnation
- Drinking water
- Actions beyond the EPZ ORO Study Topics Best Practices identified for Communicating with the public Developing partnerships and sharing resources for radiological monitoring Making situation-dependent decisions based on science and data Leveraging technology Assisting vulnerable populations, livestock, and pets NUREG/CR-7248, Capabilities and Practices of Offsite Response Organizations for Protective Actions in the Intermediate Phase of a Radiological Emergency Response