Have you ever actually considered what you’d do if there were a nuclear or radiological emergency occurring in the vicinity of your house? It’s not something we like to think about, but for the millions who live in the vicinity of nuclear reactors—or even just in a time when accidents or attacks are a reality—it’s worth being prepared. A bit of preparation can do a lot to help protect you and your loved ones.
Radiological emergencies can occur in several ways. It could be an accident at a nuclear power plant, a nuclear detonation, or even a dirty bomb. The instant impact can be horrifying—glaring flashes, intense heat, lethal radiation, and radioactive fallout that can spread miles through the air. A nuclear blast can result in horrific damage, according to Yellowstone County Disaster & Emergency Services: light and heat, massive radiation, shockwaves, fires, and fallout blown miles away from the site by the wind.
So how do you prepare for something like that? You begin before anything ever occurs. Step number one is to assemble a simple emergency kit. You’ll need to stock up on enough food, water, medication, and personal items to last a minimum of two weeks. If there are fallout shelters in your area, check the locations. Out in the country and the suburbs, there won’t be lots of public ones, so your basement or whatever underground area you can access will probably be your best option.
Action is the key when a warning is called. If you’re outside or in a vehicle, head indoors immediately. The thicker and more shielded the building, the better. Once you’re inside, stay there. The CDC explains that this is called “sheltering in place,” and it’s one of the most effective ways to protect yourself. The walls of your home block much of the radiation. If possible, head for the basement or the middle of your home—away from windows, exterior walls, and the roof, where fallout will tend to collect.
Decontaminate is the other essential step. Simply taking off your outer garments can remove as much as 90 percent of radioactive contaminants. Shower thoroughly with soap and water, then put on clean clothes and bag up your soiled items in a plastic bag. Store them somewhere out of the way until you are told by emergency officials what to do with them.
Stay up-to-date. Keep a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio handy so you can listen for official information. If your children are in school or a loved one is in a care facility or hospital, try not to rush out and get them—those locations have emergency plans in place, and running out might put everyone at greater risk.
After the initial threat has passed, you may be required to remain indoors for days or weeks, depending on the severity of the situation. Follow local authorities for guidance. Conserve food and water, but don’t overdo things, especially if you have children, the elderly, or a sick person to take care of. Living in close quarters for a while won’t be easy, but working together and keeping things as clean and organized as possible can help.
Community readiness is as crucial as individual preparedness. Organizations such as FEMA’s Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program collaborate with state and local authorities to ensure plans are in place and the public is informed on what to do in the event of a nuclear power plant accident. Public education, FEMA says, is a major focus of their efforts.
Radiological emergencies are frightening, no question about it. But knowing what to do—before, during, and after—can make a tremendous difference. It’s being prepared, staying cool, and following the advice of professionals trained to manage these types of incidents.