A nuclear blast is an explosion with
intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and widespread
radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground
surfaces for miles around. During a nuclear incident, it
is important to avoid radioactive material, if possible.
The nuclear threat present during the Cold War has diminished;
however, the possibility remains that a terrorist could obtain access
to a nuclear weapon. Called improvised nuclear devices (IND), these
are generally smaller, less powerful weapons than we traditionally
envision. While experts may predict that a nuclear attack is less
likely than other types, it is still important to know the simple
steps that can save your life and the life of your family.
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.
For more information, read the Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation PDF from the Federal
interagency committee led by the Executive Office of the President.
Also see Nuclear
Explosions: Weapons, Improvised Nuclear Devices from the Department
of Health and Human Services.
For more general information, see "Are
you Ready?" from Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
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