How do you known when you have enough emergency preparedness?

US Department of Energy (DOE) emergency planners are faced with a difficult question. Do DOE facilities have adequate emergency preparedness programs? The question would be more easily answered if emergency managers could go to a central guidance document that specifies all areas of concern (procedures look like this, exercises are conducted like this, etc.). However, even if such a document did exist, it would not be sufficient to ensure that programs were effectively implemented. Professionals with the required training and experience are needed to interpret complex guidance and develop effective DOE facility-specific emergency preparedness programs. An increased emphasis on the professional development of DOE and contractor emergency planners is needed. The author must strengthen the professional competence of emergency planners so they can interpret standards and implement effective programs that address the complex hazards of each facility and the many and varied interests of the DOE, contractor management, unions, local governments, the media and special interest groups