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The current article describes research about large nuclear events that occurred around the world, key failures that led to defective handling, presents the need f or better preparedness than currently exists and how this can be provided using the ONDM model. The Operational Nuclear Defense Model - ONDM is a model that can be applied to cope with nuclear disasters around the world at a policy making level in the area of CBRNE Defense (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive materials). In this case, a nuclear event refers to a large scale nuclear incident rated at the highest level (6-7 in the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale - INES) caused by bombing, malfunction, terrorist act or natural disaster that demands treatment and a public response on a governmental level. A study of previous incidents teaches us that there were recurring failures in dealing with nuclear events, and even reveals that lessons have not yet been learned from past events and current preparedness for future events is lacking. This in contrast to a greater need for preparedness in these tense times. This research revealed critical failures, which are responded to in the developed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]