Understanding Public Response to Nuclear Power Plant Protective Actions
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2010
Abstract
Among the most important factors affecting the viability of alternative sheltering and evacuation strategies are the views and reactions of the public within the threat zone. If the general population does not believe that undertaking prescribed protective actions will make them safer, or if they do not see protective action messages as credible and practicable, then even the most technically sound plans can be rendered totally ineffective. To gain a deeper understanding of the views and potential reactions of the general public living within nuclear power plant (NPP) Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) to protective action strategies, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission sponsored focus groups and a national telephone survey of the public living in EPZs. Data from the research can be used by NPP industry officials and emergency planners in developing appropriate protective action recommendations to radiological accidents. Findings of this research can also be extended to other similar types of emergencies or generalized to any emergency condition.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Risk, Hazards and Crisis in Public Policy
First Page
35
Last Page
61
Recommended Citation
Walton, F., & Wolshon, B. (2010). Understanding Public Response to Nuclear Power Plant Protective Actions. Risk, Hazards and Crisis in Public Policy, 1 (3), 35-61. https://doi.org/10.2202/1944-4079.1059