Emergencies and disasters, whether natural or manmade, accidental or intentional, have the potential to cause adverse health and safety effects for large segments of the population. In order to mitigate the consequences of such incidents, The Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) must possess the resources and capabilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and rapidly and effectively respond to and recover from all hazards. A planned and coordinated approach to emergency operations by DOE/NNSA organizational components in support of Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government, with assistance when appropriate from foreign counterparts and international partners, can save lives and ensure that critical public needs are met. 

 

As the Sector-Specific Agency for the Energy Sector and United States government’s (USG) primary capability for radiological and nuclear emergency response, DOE/NNSA developed a Concept of Operations Plan (CONOPS) that provides the framework for its management of response activities for all-hazard emergency operations. The DOE/NNSA CONOPS is consistent with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5 (HSPD-5) and the National Response Framework (NRF), and implements strategies to ensure a unified approach to all mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities carried out by DOE/NNSA. On behalf of the Secretary of DOE, the Office of Emergency Operations (NA-40) within NNSA directs and coordinates all Federal response activities falling under the DOE/NNSA mission.

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