The Cobalt Magnet 25, a training, exercise and planning program to ensure preparedness in the event of public health and safety emergencies, is holding a training exercise to prepare against radiological threats, incidents, and accidents at locations throughout southeast Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario through Friday.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration, in partnership with the Michigan State Police’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, is spearheading the effort, and more than 70 local, state, provincial, and federal agencies from the United States and Canada are participating.
“The Nuclear Emergency Support Team, or NEST, is trained to provide decision-makers with timely, actionable scientific advice during radiological incidents,” Dr. Wendin Smith, DOE deputy under secretary for counterterrorism and counter-proliferation, said. “We exercise to validate our ability to quickly determine the extent and severity of radiological hazards, whether and how the public is affected, and enable the optimal response. If such a scenario did take place, this would save lives and reduce public impacts. NEST’s core mission is providing this critical information to local, state, and federal leaders as soon as possible.”
NEST is working with law enforcement to conduct radiological search operations and identify potential threats.