BEFORE
Know these facts about radiation and materials.
Contact your local emergency manager for information about how to respond to a radiological accident, and to learn emergency plans for schools, day care centers, nursing homes--anywhere family members might be.
Communities located on major transportation routes should develop and practice an emergency plan for handling transportation accidents involving radiological materials.
Learn your community's warning systems.
Obtain information about official evacuation routes from local officials.
Have disaster supplies on hand.
Three Ways to Minimize Radiation Exposure
There are three ways to minimize radiation exposure to your body:
Distance--The more distance between you and the source of the radiation, the less radiation you will receive. In a serious nuclear accident, local officials will likely call for an evacuation, thereby increasing the distance between you and the radiation.
Shielding--Like distance, the more heavy, dense materials between you and the source of the radiation, the better. This is why local officials could advise you to remain indoors if an radiological accident occurs. In some cases, the walls in your home would be sufficient shielding to protect you.
Time--Most radioactivity loses its strength fairly quickly. Limiting the time spent near the source of radiation reduces the amount of radiation you will receive. Following a radiological accident, local authorities will monitor any release of radiation and determine when the threat has passed.
BEFORE
Be prepared to evacuate or find shelter in your home.
Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone know the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
DURING
Listen to the radio or television for official information.
If advised to remain at home:
When coming in from outdoors:
If advised to evacuate:
Remember your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
After the Event
When the immediate danger has passed, avoid using foods from your garden or milk from your cows or goats until these can be inspected by a local emergency official. Contamination could affect areas as far as 50 miles from the accident site.