Radiation Emergency Advice

Take immediate cover from blast/heat if close enough to see a flash:

• Drop to the ground, lie face down, cover your head and exposed skin to protect from flying debris, heat flash, and initial radiation.
• Hide behind or under anything sturdy (e.g., in a ditch, behind a wall, or inside/ducked in a vehicle if no better option).
• Do not look at the flash—it can cause blindness.

1. Get inside as quickly as possible

• Ideally within 10–15 minutes before fallout arrives in most scenarios.
• Go to the nearest sturdy building—preferably multi-story concrete/brick or an underground location (basement, underground parking garage, subway, or interior room with no windows).
• The more dense material (walls, earth, concrete) between you and the outside, the better. Basements or central core rooms of large buildings provide the highest protection factor.
• Avoid cars—they offer almost no shielding from fallout radiation.

2. Decontaminate yourself right away if you were outside:

• Remove outer clothing (can eliminate up to 90% of radioactive material—put it in a plastic bag and seal it away from people).
• Shower with soap and water (or wipe down exposed skin thoroughly if no shower is available). Avoid scrubbing hard enough to break skin.
• Do not use conditioner in hair (it can bind particles).

3. Stay inside (shelter in place)

• Usually for at least the first 24 hours, or until authorities say it's safe.
• Close and lock windows/doors.
• Turn off ventilation: Shut down air conditioners, fans, forced-air heating, and close fireplace dampers to prevent pulling in contaminated air.
• Seal gaps if possible (duct tape + plastic sheeting over vents/windows for extra protection).
• Bring pets/service animals inside too.
• Radiation levels fall rapidly—staying put for 24+ hours can reduce exposure dramatically.

4. Stay tuned for official instructions

• Listen to battery-powered radio, TV, phone alerts, or trusted government sources (e.g., local emergency management, FEMA, CDC updates).
• Follow directions from state/local officials—they may order evacuation later when radiation has decayed and routes are safe.
• Do not evacuate on your own unless your current shelter is threatened (fire, collapse, etc.) or officials explicitly say to leave—evacuating too early into fallout can be far more dangerous.