TEPP Planning Products
Model Needs Assessment
Self Assessment Document

The purpose of this Model Needs Assessment is to assist state, tribal, or local officials in determining emergency responder readiness for response to a transportation accident involving radioactive material. This Model Needs Assessment was developed by the Department of Energy’s Transportation Emergency Preparedness Program (TEPP) as a planning and assessment tool for state, tribal, or local government officials. To implement this Model Needs Assessment, a designated official from the jurisdiction will conduct a self-assessment by answering various questions. By doing so, the official will determine strengths and identify improvement areas. To support the assessment process, and any proposed recommendations for improvement, this document includes descriptions of additional TEPP planning and training tools. These tools have been developed to assist state, tribal, and local officials in remedying any identified improvement areas. These additional resources can be found by clicking here. Following the completion of the assessment process and the remedying of any identified improvement areas, a training drill or an exercise involving applicable emergency response organizations should be conducted. The drill or exercise will help to evaluate current emergency responder readiness. A typical drill or exercise effort will include participation from the following emergency response organizations (including both career and volunteer responders):

  • Emergency Management Agency
  • Emergency Communications Center Hazardous Materials Team
  • Fire Response Organization
  • Law Enforcement Response Organization
  • Emergency Medical Services and Care Facilities
In addition to state, tribal, and local agencies, the extent of play for the drill/exercise could also include support from the U.S. DOE.

The assessment portion of this document is designed to evaluate six different emergency response elements, assessing each response element’s procedures and capabilities. The six emergency response elements included in this Model Needs Assessment are:
  • Emergency Management Agency
  • Emergency Communications Center
  • Hazardous Materials Team
  • Fire Response Organization
  • Law Enforcement Response Organization
  • Emergency Medical Services and Care Facilities
It is recommended that the assessment be conducted at each of the above-referenced facilities. Telephone interviews are also an option to expedite the assessment process.

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