(a) The Department of Health shall carry out a Nuclear Planning and Response Program designed to protect the lives and property of persons of this state from radiation hazards and other hazards which may result from the establishment and operation of nuclear electrical generating facilities in this state.
(b) The program shall include:
(1) Continuous environmental radiation surveillance in the area of any nuclear generating facility;
(2) The training and education of persons residing in the areas regarding nuclear hazards and protective measures to be taken in the event of a radiological incident or accident;
(3) A plan for immediate emergency response capability in the event of an incident or accident at the facility;
(4) The dissemination of information to the public pertaining to radiation hazards;
(5) Protective measures, evacuation procedures, and other appropriate actions to be taken in the event of a radiation incident or accident; and
(6) Such other matters as the department shall determine to be necessary or appropriate to educate, inform, and equip citizens of this state to deal with any incident or accident at or resulting from the operation of nuclear generating facilities.
(c) To carry out the responsibilities provided for in this subchapter, the department may employ such personnel as is deemed necessary to the extent that funds are appropriated therefor by the General Assembly.