Question 1
Fortunately the Prime Minister (PM) was able to understand the implications of the situation when he first learned of the problems. The communication was good, but only because the PM) flew to the plant to insist that he know what was happening. (Inside Japan, 2012) In 2009, a government scientific committee had warned Fukushima Daiichi plant about their need to take more action to prepare for a disaster. During the disaster there was no electricity and the apparatus to vent gasses to prevent an explosion “was difficult to open manually.” (Inside Japan, 2012) Reliable back-up electricity was not available but the workers were smart and collaborated for solutions. It was not until 4 months later that the reactors were “being cooled with recycled water from the new treatment plant.” The PM handled the situation well, the plant workers did a great job, but the plant’s leaders did badly because they had not prepared even after being warned.
Question 2
There are no drills or regular training for cities, towns or rural communities in order to practice in case of flooding, hurricanes, tornados or a nuclear meltdown. Schools have fire drills but universities do not. Drills are absolutely necessary so people will know what to do, any problems that arise during drills can be addressed before a disaster, and emergency support groups will be able to practice at the same time. Homeland Security has good information on the computer about how families should prepare “before a nuclear power plant emergency.” (Before, During, n.d.) Community leaders and emergency groups need to promote emergency disaster preparedness information regularly. There have to be drills so people know where in their homes or local buildings they will be the safest. “The threats considered most serious by nuclear engineers are problems that lead to a loss of power.” (Broder, Wall & Zeller, 2011) Better back-up for electrify grids are needed not only for big disasters but for bad storms, too.
References
Paragraph 1
Inside Japan’s Nuclear Meltdown. (2012 Feb. 12) Frontline, PBS. http://video.pbs.org/video/2202847024Video
Fukshima Accident 2011. (2013 Feb.) World Nuclear Association. http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Safety-and-Security/Safety-of-Plants/Fukushima-Accident-2011/#.UThfr1fLvPs
Paragraph 2
Before, During and After and Nuclear Disaster. (n.d.). Ready.gov, http://www.ready.gov/nuclear-power-plants 2/11/2013
Broder, JM., Wald, M.L. & Zeller, T. (2011 Mar. 28). “At U.S. Nuclear Sites, Preparing for the Unlikely.” New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/science/29threat.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
