radioactive debris produced by a nuclear explosion can affect areas far away from the blast site.If you have a radiation emergency, get indoors as soon as possible.Shelter can be found in the basement of a brick or concrete building.Stay calm, listen to your local emergency broadcast channel, and follow the instructions given by the authorities.Unless you are told it is safe to leave, stay put.
Step 1: If you are near the blast, lie flat, turn away from the flash, and cover your head.
Take cover behind anything that might offer protection.Put your hands over your head and face as you lie down.If you are near the blast site, do not look at or face the explosion because it is blinding.If you are in a vehicle, pull off the road, come to a stop, and cover your head and face.
Step 2: If you are outside, cover your nose and mouth.
If you don't have a clean cloth, use the inside of your undershirt.If you can get to an indoor shelter, keep your mouth and nose covered.You can reduce the amount of radioactive particles you inhale by covering your nose and mouth.
Step 3: If you can see a cloud of debris, flee.
If you see dust or debris heading your way, get out of the way.If the cloud is coming from the north, go east or west.
Step 4: If there is no obvious debris cloud you can get to a brick or concrete building.
If you haven't been told to evacuate, you should have a shelter in place.You should head to the basement of a brick or concrete building.Shelter away from doors and windows is what you should do if you know the direction of the winds.The southeast corner of the building is where winds from the northwest to the southeast usually blow.You should be able to find the nearest brick or concrete building within 10 minutes.Shelter can be found in a structure with a basement.You can head to a windowless interior room if that is not possible.
Step 5: Seal doors and windows with duct tape if you want to shut off ventilation systems.
Turn off the heat or air conditioning in your building.If you have a fireplace damper, close and lock all doors and windows.Duct tape can be used to seal cracks around doors and windows.The building can be sealed to reduce radiation exposure.If you are close to the blast site, you can take shelter and seal the building within 10 minutes.If you have a hand-cranked radio, follow the instructions of your local authorities.
Step 6: You should remove your outer clothes and store them in sealed bags.
Carefully remove your outer garments to avoid spreading radioactive material.Place them in tightly sealed bags or containers and store them away from other people, pets, and packaged food and water.The outer layers of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material.
Step 7: You can take a shower or wash your skin with soap and water.
If you have access to a shower, wash yourself with soap and warm water.If there is an available water source, wash it with it.Blow your nose and wipe your eyes to remove radioactive waste.Don't scrub hard because it could allow radioactive particles to enter your body.If you have an open wound, cover it with a bandage and wash yourself.You can use tap water to decontaminate yourself.It's safe to use tap water for bathing if you have radioactive material in it.If you use conditioner, it will cause radioactive particles to stick to your hair and body.
Step 8: Only eat packaged food and drink bottled water.
During the radiation emergency, do not drink tap water or eat unpackaged foods outdoors.Store food and water in shielded containers and consume only packaged products that were inside.Food and water should be protected from radiation even if the power is out.Before you eat or drink, wash your hands with soap and warm water.In the event of a disaster, it is wise to have a 3-day emergency supply of non-perishable food and water.
Step 9: Stay inside until the authorities tell you it is safe to go outside.
Within the first few hours of a nuclear explosion, radioactivity levels are highest.Stay in the basement or an interior, windowless room for about 8 hours after the radioactivity levels go down.You might need to stay inside for a couple of days.Don't go outside until the authorities give you the all clear.If you have a hand-cranked radio, listen for instructions.You should be able to access emergency information with another electronic device.Emergency responders may enter the building if it's safe to do so.
Step 10: If public services aren't in operation, seal and secure waste.
Waste management may become an issue if you need to shelter in place for a long time.Wrap food scraps in plastic or foil and put them in a sealed container.You can make a latrine using a bucket lined with a thick plastic bag if the toilets aren't working.After using the bag, tie it tightly and dispose of it in a sealed trash receptacle.The trash receptacle should be lined with a heavy-duty plastic bag.Keep waste out of living areas.If you have rubbing alcohol on your hand, use it to wash your hands.Diluted bleach solution can be used to clean surfaces.
Step 11: If you need emergency services, call.
If you or someone you know needs immediate medical attention, call for help.If phone lines are down or emergency services can't respond, it's a good idea to see if your neighbors have the medication you need.After seeking help from your neighbors, cover your face with a clean cloth and wear long sleeves and pants.Only in life-threatening scenarios can you go to the nearest medical facility.Once inside your vehicle, keep the windows up, stay alert, and do your best to steer clear of debris and damaged roads.
Step 12: For instructions, listen to the radio, television, or other media.
If you can, tune to your emergency broadcast channel and listen for instructions.Stay inside until emergency responders arrive.Listen for the locations of public shelters if you are told to leave.If you live in the U.S., you can text "SHELTER" and your zip code to 43362.It's a good idea to find out if your local authorities have disaster shelters nearby.Cell service, television, and electricity may be affected.Listen to your local emergency broadcast channel and invest in a battery-operated or hand-cranked radio.
Step 13: An emergency kit should be created in advance.
If you don't already have an emergency supply kit, you should have extra batteries, canned food, and bottled water.Important medications, glasses, cash, and supplies should be packed with your pet's owner.If you need to go to a public shelter, you should have these items with you.
Step 14: If you need to flee, avoid debris, downed power lines and other dangers.
Follow the instructions of the local authorities.Take care, which may be blocked.Keep an eye out for road damage, and do not approach downed power lines, which may be live.If you hit the road, keep your vehicle's windows closed.Close the vents and not turn on the air conditioner or heat.
Step 15: It's possible to communicate with friends and family.
Immediately after the event, leave telephone lines open for emergency services.Cell phone service can be limited or unavailable.If you have service, contact your loved ones once you reach shelter.If you need to contact a loved one after the event, send them a text or email.Don't return to the contaminated area until the authorities give you the all clear.