Information Sharing and Networking
Emergency Management Issues Special Interest Group
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) must ensure that its operations are safe and its employees and members of the public are protected. Preparing for and responding to emergencies is an integral part of the DOE mission.
To support DOE in that mission, ORAU staff have coordinated the Emergency Management Issues Special Interest Group (EMI SIG) for more than 20 years. This group provides the infrastructure and experience necessary to
- Share information
- Leverage resources
- Address major and recurring issues
- Review policy
- Develop guidance
- Benchmark operations
- Promote good practices
- Assess emergency plans and programs.
The focal point of the EMI SIG is its subcommittees. They have been established as vehicles to enhance policy implementation and good practices in key areas. These subcommittees meet regularly via telephone and video conferences to share information and address concerns. Outcome from these groups include useful products, position papers, and valuable input to DOE on various subjects.
Current focus areas include:
Exercises
The Exercise and Drill Subcommittee focuses on sharing findings, information, and good practices relevant to effective conduct of emergency response exercises involving DOE sites/organizations. The scope of work performed by this subcommittee includes all phases of exercise planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and follow-up.
Protective Actions
The Subcommittee on Consequence Assessment and Protective Actions (SCAPA) provides DOE and its contractors with technical information and recommendations for emergency preparedness to assist in safeguarding the health and safety of workers and the public. SCAPA deals with both radiological and nonradiological materials. SCAPA working groups provide guidance to DOE and its contractors.
Hazards Assessment
The focus of the Hazards Assessment Subcommittee is hazards identification, screening, and assessments that facilitate event characterization and other elements of site/facility emergency management programs. The scope of work performed by this subcommittee includes identifying effective tools, techniques, processes, and systems.
Emergency Public Information
The Emergency Public Information Subcommittee is dedicated to promoting the exchange of EPI resources and lessons learned. Emphasis is on integrating EPI and Emergency Management Systems at HQ and in the field; exchanging EPI lessons learned; assisting in the development and implementation of the EPI guidance and supporting requirements for educating the public on emergency plans, prior to emergencies.
Meteorology
The DOE Meteorological Coordinating Council coordinates meteorological support and atmospheric research to meet DOE objectives with emphasis on:
- promoting cost-effective support for all DOE facilities
- facilitating the use of common methods, procedures, and standards
- planning for future needs, requirements, and missions
- advocating awareness of atmospheric science applications and benefits to DOE.
Other Activities
The EMI SIG provides other support to DOE’ s Emergency Management program through steering committee coordination, conduct of an annual meeting, Web pages, listservs, and tasks and working groups.