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Radiological Security

Last Updated: | Publication

Optimizing Radioactive Contamination Screening

The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) prepared the “Optimizing Radioactive Contamination Screening at Community Reception Centers Report” to provide emergency response organizations with technical guidance for deploying CRC radiation detection equipment to optimize screening efficiency. 

Last Updated: | Press Releases

Readout of DHS CWMD Leadership Travel to Ohio BioWatch Lab and Alabama World Games

On June 17, Acting Assistant Secretary Gary Rasicot of the Department of Homeland Security’s Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) traveled to Columbus, Ohio, for a series of meetings with state and local leaders on the Ohio BioWatch Program, and on June 16, CWMD’s Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) for Operations Support traveled to Birmingham to meet with key partners supporting the city of Birmingham, Alabama with the 2022 World Games. These meetings are part of a series of state, local, tribal, and territorial stakeholder engagements CWMD is conducting across the United States to discuss chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and health security risks.

Last Updated: | Press Releases

DHS CWMD Securing the Cities Convenes a First-of-Kind Meeting for Senior State and Local Leaders

Last month, the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) hosted a first-of-its-kind meeting of senior state and local officials to share best practices for protecting their citizens from radiological and nuclear (R/N) threats.  These officials represented the 14 local jurisdictions that participate in CWMD’s Securing the Cities (STC) program.  Senior officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration also joined the half-day virtual meeting.

Last Updated: | Publication

ST-Radiological Data Quality Assessment Toolkit

To help assure data quality in the aftermath of a radiological or nuclear incident, S&T’s NUSTL in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is developing a set of manuals, quick reference guides, spreadsheets, checklists, and other tools and technical guidance.

Last Updated: | Publication

S&T-Wide-Area Background Radiation Survey

S&T’s NUSTL, in conjunction with DOE National Nuclear Security Administration and several DOE national laboratories, is developing a set of processes and procedures that will make it easier to plan and perform wide-area background radiation surveys. 

Last Updated: | Publication

S&T Preparing for Rad Incident Recovery Fact Sheet

Following a radiological incident – such as a radiological dispersal device (RDD) detonation – community leaders would face many challenges, from determining the boundaries of potential radioactive contamination spread to restoring public access to those areas. 

Last Updated: | Site Page

Radiological Attack

IHEs should use these resources to prepare for a radiological attack, which may include the detonation of a ‘dirty bomb’ or other radiological dispersal device (RDD). Such an attack could cause significant localized destruction, contaminate the surrounding environment, and evoke intense fear and anxiety within affected communities.

Last Updated: | Testimony

Written testimony of DNDO for a joint House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation and House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border & Maritime Security hearing titled “Prevention of Smuggling at U.S. Ports”

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) Acting Director Dr. Wayne Brasure addresses DNDO’s efforts to prevent the smuggling of nuclear or other radioactive materials via the Nation’s maritime ports.

Last Updated: | Testimony

Written testimony of CBP for a House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation hearing titled “Prevention of and Response to the Arrival of a Dirty Bomb at a U.S. Port”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations Assistant Commissioner Todd Owen addresses the role of CBP in preventing and responding to radiological weapons-related threats.

Last Updated: | Testimony

Written testimony of USCG for a House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation hearing titled “Prevention of and Response to the Arrival of a Dirty Bomb at a U.S. Port”

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Assistant Commandant for Response Policy Rear Admiral Peter Brown addresses the Coast Guard’s role in the prevention of and response to the arrival of a radiological dispersion device in a U.S. port.