FRMAC Assets
In
addition to highly skilled and well-trained professionals, the
significant capabilities provided by the U. S. Department of Energy
(DOE) and its contractors include atmospheric transport modeling,
radiation monitoring, radiation analysis, data assessment, and medical
advice for radiation injuries. To support Federal Radiological
Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC) operations, the DOE also
provides:
The FRMAC is the hub of offsite activity and all of the support
groups provide basic as well as state-of-the-art technical capabilities
and equipment in order to sustain any possible field scenario.
Asset Descriptions
Geographic Information Systems:
During all phases of Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment
Center (FRMAC) activities, the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) deploys
a Geographic Information System (GIS) and staffing that is capable of
capturing, storing, retrieving, analyzing, and displaying spatial (locationally
defined) data. Layers of information can be displayed on a computer
screen simultaneously, allowing the relationship between pieces of
information to be seen. The GIS is also a database where attributes of
specific data can easily be referenced.
Communications: The Federal
Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC) CMRT I is
equipped with onscene communication equipment to including telephones
and radios to support classified and unclassified communications, data
transfer capabilities, and a satellite terminal that can be connected to
international telephone networks.
Additional communications equipment is provided during a full-field
FRMAC response. The full-field communication system provides more
sophisticated telephone equipment such as in-field communications at
multiple locations (this equipment is independent of local, fixed
communications facilities). Unique configurations consisting of very
high frequency (VHF) radio systems, local and long distance telephone
services, data networks, video systems, and secure voice/data
operations, most of which may be interconnected through protected
microwave links, are also provided. Deployable communications is also
linked by satellite to the Emergency Communications Network at the U. S.
Department of Energy Headquarters for incidents occurring either Inside
the Continental United States (CONUS) or Outside the Continental United
States (OCONUS).
Photo/Video: The U.S. Department of
Energy, Nevada Site Office is capable of fielding several teams of
photographers from the Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment
Center (FRMAC) who are equipped with digital cameras, and electronic,
still video cameras. Still video imagery can be printed at the FRMAC, or
can be transmitted to remote centers having similar equipment, via the
telecommunications lines. Other photographic capabilities include rapid
copying of maps, preparing photographs for press releases, and
performing long-lens and low-light photography. Capabilities to take
aerial, direct vertical, and oblique photographs will depend on the
availability of aircraft at the site.
Real-time video documentation of the FRMAC response can be acquired
by video teams using broadcast-quality video equipment. Videotaped
information can be acquired from most environments including oblique
aerial acquisition. Video can be edited on-scene by using portable video
editing units and then duplicated to both broadcast and consumer
videotape formats. In addition to documentation, videotapes can be used
for training and briefing purposes. Edited videos can also be made
available for the news media. Video teams also contribute technical
support for video press conferences and video information distribution
systems.
Mechanical/Electrical:
Mechanical/Electrical support is provided by the U. S. Department of
Energy, Nevada Site Office for setup of the Federal Radiological
Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC). Portable equipment is readied
for deployment by air and/or ground transport. This support includes
providing generators and power sources for equipment, heating and air
conditioning units, and mechanically fabricated tools, and loading and
unloading equipment. Trained and certified heavy equipment operators
(for trucks and forklifts) stand ready to support the FRMAC.
Logistical/Administrative: The U.S.
Department of Energy, Nevada Site Office is prepared to deploy
administrative personnel, equipment, and materials required to support
and maintain a full-field Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment
Center (FRMAC). This includes such items as database systems, computers,
printers, software, copiers, office supplies, display boards, first-aid
kits, identification badges, reference manuals, and dry food staples.
These items are kept in a continual state of readiness for deployment.
At the onset of a response, logistics personnel secure reservations
for hotels, rental cars, and rental equipment which are required to
support the FRMAC. Once the FRMAC is operational, logistics personnel
are called upon to handle various logistical needs.
^ TOP ^
|