Lessons Learned from Evaluations of Practices in Emergency Operations Centres: Implications in Nuclear Emergency Response

Abstract

This study evaluated practices in emergency operations centres (EOCs) that lead and coordinate responses to nuclear emergencies. More specifically, we focused on topics in human performance, which include organizational structure, communication, and exercises, to name a few. The study involved integrating best-practice guidelines from multiple sources into a single list. We conducted interviews with several subject matter experts to evaluate practices within a sample of EOCs. A key area of improvement relates to deviations from a constraint requiring senior management to interact only with the lead EOC member (EOCs typically report to a team of senior management staff in their organization). In addition, while communications teams in some EOCs are required to monitor social media, misinformation in social media may require communications staff to be alert, which can be mentally demanding. Our findings can inform the design of future EOCs particularly in areas tied to human performance.