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Radiological

Last Updated: June 26, 2023 | Publication

Remote Alarm Accessory for Radioactive Contamination Screening

Following a radiological release, whether from an accident or a terrorist act, local response agencies can set up community reception centers (CRCs) to screen the public for radioactive contamination. Before people enter a CRC for final screening, they would be prescreened using personal radiation detectors (PRDs) while they stand on a small platform with another PRD under it to detect radioactivity on their shoes. Because the shoe-screening PRD is hidden beneath the platform, that PRD’s alarm light cannot be seen and CRC personnel must rely on its audible alarm. Unfortunately, the platform muffles the alarm sound, making it hard to hear in a noisy environment.

Last Updated: April 21, 2023 | Publication

Visualizing a Nuclear Detonation and Response Fact Sheet

It is critical to provide first responders with tools, knowledge, and training to understand the effects of a nuclear detonation and the response strategies that will allow them to save lives, stabilize infrastructure, minimize exposure to radiation, and provide for basic human needs. DHS S&T(NUSTL, in partnership with DOE LLNL, is developing science-based visualizations that will depict nuclear detonation effects in a computer-generated but realistic city to help first responders understand the size, scale, and expected impacts of a nuclear explosion.

Last Updated: February 10, 2022 | 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: February 10, 2022 | 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: January 5, 2022 | 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: October 28, 2021 | Press Releases

News Release: DHS Lab NUSTL Receives Patent for Remote Alarm

Two inventors from S&T laboratory ’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) were awarded a patent for new emergency responder technology.

Last Updated: September 8, 2021 | Blog

S&T and FEMA Cosponsoring Nationwide Drill for Radiation Emergencies

First responders across the nation are participating in a September 8 training exercise to hone their skills for responding to a radiation emergency.

Last Updated: March 23, 2021 | Publication

S&T NUSTL Annual Report FY2018-FY2019

This Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-2019 Annual Report summarizes completed program and project milestones, collaboration and outreach, mission services, laboratory operations and organizational successes of the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL). 

Last Updated: July 2, 2019 | Press Releases

Snapshot: S&T NUSTL Supports FR Radiological Preparedness

in 2017, DHS S&T National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL), in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) published guidance for first responders and emergency managers on how to plan for the first minutes of an RDD detonation response.

Last Updated: July 17, 2018 | Fact Sheets

Snapshot: S&T Supports Radiation Preparedness

RadResponder builds capabilities for state and local response and connects them with federal assets from FEMA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE).