Daniel Aldrich : The Fukushima meltdowns reveal flaws in nuclear disaster planning . Huge evacuations caused gridlock , he says , and first responders left for their families . Score: 7 a 10-mile evacuation radius is a `` fantasy '' ; at least a 50-mile radius is needed . First , we know from multiple disasters that people who live far from predetermined evacuation zones will move themselves and their families to places where they feel safe . Aldrich : Half of America lives within 50 miles of a plant ; we ca n't dismiss the risks .
Daniel Aldrich : The Fukushima meltdowns reveal flaws in nuclear disaster planning . Huge evacuations caused gridlock , he says , and first responders left for their families . Score: 7 a 10-mile evacuation radius is a `` fantasy '' ; at least a 50-mile radius is needed . Aldrich : Half of America lives within 50 miles of a plant ; we ca n't dismiss the risks .