Nuclear or radiation emergency
Get inside, stay inside, stay tuned: what to do in a nuclear detonation or radiation release.
During
- Get inside the nearest building as soon as possible. Brick or concrete multi-story buildings, or basements, are best. 1
- Go to the basement or the middle of the building, as far as you can get from walls and roof. 1
- Close windows and doors. Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced-air heating that pull in outside air. Close fireplace dampers. 1
- If you were outside, take off your outer layer of clothing before you go in if you can, then wash exposed skin. 1
- Stay inside for at least 24 hours unless officials tell you otherwise. 1
- Don't go out to collect family. Schools and hospitals have their own emergency plans. 1
Get inside, stay inside, stay tuned
The CDC says the best protection in a radiation emergency is always to get inside, stay inside, and follow official updates. Staying inside for at least 24 hours can protect you until it’s safe to leave. Any building is safer than being outside, and the middle of a large brick or concrete building, or a basement, is best. 1
If you couldn’t get inside in time
Remove your outer layer of clothing before entering if you can, wash the parts of your body that were uncovered, and change into clean clothes. If you can’t get inside right away, cover your mouth and nose with a mask, cloth or towel. 1
Potassium iodide is not a shield
KI protects only the thyroid, and only against radioactive iodine. It does nothing for the rest of the body or against other radioactive materials. Take it only when officials or a healthcare provider tell you to, and never leave shelter to look for it. 2
Pets
Bring pets inside if you can. Wash them carefully with shampoo or soap and water, rinse well, then wash your own hands and face. 1