• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.582-596
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aims to explore the ways to improve the security of temporary shelters in case of nuclear power plant accidents. Method: In this study, we mainly rely on the case studies on previous nuclear power plant accidents-Chernobyl, Fukushima, and Three Mile Island (TMI) cases. Result: The current radiation emergency response plans for nuclear power plant accidents center around the evacuation procedure. As a result, the concept of "shelter in place" has been understood as a means of assisting resident evacuation. However, based on the case studies, we find that encouraging shelter in place, rather than simply emphasizing evacuation, would help minimize unnecessary casualties, especially in case of the accidents rated greater than or equal to INES 5. To facilitate better shelter in place, we recommend utilize apartments as temporary shelters and suggest some possible improvements to ensure those apartments could be equipped with technologies for high radiation protection. Conclusion: To ensure better shelter in place, we recommend using apartments as temporary shelters, and we seek to supplement the function of apartments by using shielding, positive pressure, and sealing technologies.