epr-method (2003) - IAEA Publications - International Atomic Energy ...

4.2.9. Keeping the public informed (A9 elements)
Response objective: To provide the public with useful, timely, truthful, consistent and appropriate information throughout a radiation emergency
(4.82).
A9 - KEEPING THE PUBLIC INFORMED Threat category Responsibility
Elements I II III IV V O L N
A9.1 Arrange to provide useful, timely, truthful, consistent and appropriate information to the public in a
radiation emergency, responding to incorrect information and rumours, and to requests for information
from the public and from news and information media (4.83).
Upon declaration of an emergency or receipt of significant inquiries from the media concerning a
possible emergency, arrange to immediately co-ordinate all information from sources viewed by the
public as official (governmental agencies and the facility). This should include arrangements: 1) to issue
a press release identifying the agency that will be the official source of information; 2) to establish as
soon as possible, a single official source and 3) to remind other agencies to refer requests by the media
for information to the designated agency. For significant events, a PIC (see Appendix 14) should be
established near the location of the emergency that will be the only location disseminating official
information. Security should be provided for the PIC along with a system for confirming the credentials of
media personnel.
Arrange to provide the public promptly with information on the risk and protective actions following
warning of an emergency (see Element A5.2) and again following issuance of protective action
recommendations. Identify sources of additional information in the instructions provided to the public
(see Element A5.1). Arrange to provide information to the public outside the emergency zones (outside the
area where protective actions are being recommended) on what actions they should or should not take
and why (see Element A5.2).
Arrange to monitor media information and to promptly respond to misleading, inaccurate or confusing
information. Arrange to identify inappropriate reactions (see Element A11.2) by the public during an
emergency and to provide information to the media to help alleviate the situation. Address incorrect or
misleading information in the international media through the IAEA (see Element A2.15).
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