A quantitative analysis of safety education provided to residents near nuclear-powered electrical generating stations

In the United States, nuclear power plant licensees are required to provide safety information at least annually to those residing within 10 miles of a plant, but they are not required to ascertain if that safety information is effective. This study's purpose was to determine the effectiveness of this safety information program by investigating knowledge differences between 2 samples using a 10-item test of facts from licensee safety literature. Diffusion of innovations was the theoretical framework to investigate any relationship between knowledge and frequency of exposure to the safety material. The Nuclear Energy Attitude Scale was used to measure attitudes toward nuclear power. A cross-sectional mixed-mode survey was sent to 600 randomly selected households (return rate 34.0%) near 6 U.S. nuclear power plants. Data from 166 respondents were analyzed using simple t tests for independent samples and hierarchical linear regression. Those who received the safety information scored significantly higher in knowledge than those who did not, and knowledge was positively correlated to recent exposure to the material, but not to annual exposure due to residency. Evidence suggested the compulsory safety education program was effective, but mean scores were nevertheless quite low. Efforts should be made to enhance the program to improve knowledge of those near the plants who are most vulnerable if an uncontrolled radioactive leak were to occur. This study demonstrates the success of a potentially lifesaving national education program and identifies safety topics that need additional reinforcement to assist audiences in protecting themselves and their families. The results may benefit other programs that educate about persistent low-probability/high-consequence technological and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, or coastal-striking hurricanes.