Fukushima has given U.S. nuclear regulators four important lessons given a tendency to downplay the far-reaching consequences of disasters and outdated ways of preparing for them . Robert Aldrich : The Fukushima accidents reveal flaws in nuclear emergency planning . Huge evacuations caused casualties , he said , and first responders left for their homes . Aldrich : a 10-mile evacuation radius is a ` ` fantasy '' ; at least a 50-mile radius is realistic . Aldrich : Half of America lives within 50 miles of a plant ; we ca n't dismiss the problem .
Robert Aldrich : The Fukushima accidents reveal flaws in nuclear emergency planning . Huge evacuations caused casualties , he said , and first responders left for their homes . Aldrich : a 10-mile evacuation radius is a ` ` fantasy '' ; at least a 50-mile radius is realistic . Aldrich : Half of America lives within 50 miles of a plant ; we ca n't dismiss the problem .