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Planning for Emergencies

Emergency Management is the application of the necessary resources to mitigate consequences of an emergency and protect workers, the public, the environment, and national security.  It consists of key activities: planning, preparedness, readiness assurance, and response.

NNSA has a fully implemented and fully integrated departmental comprehensive emergency management system at the ready.  To accomplish this, we develop and implement specific programs, plans, and systems to minimize the impacts of emergencies on worker and public health and safety, the environment, and national security by:

  • Promulgating appropriate departmental requirements and implementing guidance;
  • Developing and conducting training and other emergency preparedness activities;
  • Supporting readiness assurance activities; and
  • Establishing a close partnership between NNSA headquarters and field elements to ensure seamless implementation and integration of emergency response capabilities during a crisis.

NNSA and the Department of Energy manage a wide variety of sites and facilities throughout the country.  These sites and facilities store, use, produce, and dispose of many different hazardous substances, including radioactive materials, toxic chemicals, and biological agents and toxins.

There are a few programs NNSA uses to plan for emergencies:

 

DOE Order 151.1C “Comprehensive Emergency Management System”

DOE Order 151.1C “Comprehensive Emergency Management System” provides policy requirements for the implementation and integration of emergency management programs across the NNSA and Department of Energy complexes.  The overall objective of the comprehensive emergency management system is to be ready to respond promptly, efficiently, and effectively to any emergency involving or affecting NNSA and DOE sites and facilities or activities by applying the necessary resources to mitigate the consequences and protect workers, the public, the environment, and national security.