Plan for Nuclear Threat
Nuclear Threat |
Get a Nuclear Threat Kit |
Make a Plan |
Prepare |
During the Nuclear Threat |
After the Nuclear Threat
If there is advanced warning of an attack
Follow the instructions provided by emergency response personnel. Based on what is known about the threat, you may be asked to take shelter, go to a specific location, or evacuate the area.
If there is no warning
- Take cover immediately.
- Find the nearest building, preferably built of brick or concrete, and go inside to avoid any radioactive material outside.
- If better shelter, such as a multi-story building or basement can be reached within a few minutes, go there immediately.
- Go as far below ground as possible or in the center of a tall building. The goal is to put as many walls and as much concrete, brick and soil between you and the radioactive material outside.
- Stay Inside
- Radiation levels are extremely dangerous after a nuclear detonation but the levels reduce rapidly.
- Expect to stay inside for at least 24 hours unless told otherwise by authorities.
- Stay where you are, even if you are separated from your family. Inside is the safest place for all people in the impacted area. It can save your life.
- During the time with the highest radiation levels it is safest to stay inside, sheltered away from the radioactive material outside.
- Get Information
- When evacuating is in your best interest, you will be instructed to do so. All available methods of communication will be used to provide news and / or instructions.
- People in the path of the radioactive material – downwind from the detonation – may also be asked to take protective measures.
- If you were outside during or after the blast, Get Clean. There are simple steps you can take to remove radioactive material that may have settled on your body.
- Remove your clothing to keep radioactive material from spreading.
- You should act as if you are going home covered in mud: you do not want to track mud in your home.
- If practical, place your clothing in a plastic bag and seal or tie the bag.
- Place the bag as far away as possible from humans and animals so that the radiation it gives off does not affect others.
- Removing the outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material.
- When possible, take a shower with lots of soap and water to help remove radioactive contamination. Do not scrub or scratch the skin.
- Wash your hair with shampoo or soap and water. Do not use conditioner in your hair because it will bind radioactive material to your hair, keeping it from rinsing out easily.
- Gently blow your nose and wipe your eyelids and eyelashes with a clean wet cloth. Gently wipe your ears.
- If you cannot shower, use a wipe or clean wet cloth to wipe your skin that was not covered by clothing.
Get a Kit
- Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
- Store it in your shelter location