Radiation Exposure

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• Develop an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and shelter locations.
• In the event you must shelter in place, identify the best shelter locations in your home (basement or interior rooms with few windows and thick walls). 
• Establish how you’ll receive emergency alerts (radio, government apps).
• Designate family meeting points and emergency contacts.
   

• Shelter in Place: Prepare a home emergency kit with essential supplies for a minimum of 7 days, including a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
• Evacuation:  Prepare go-bags with necessary documentation and items for each individual.
• Plan for infants, elderly, pets, and anyone with medical conditions.
   

 Have large plastic tarps and heavy-duty tape on-hand to seal all external sources of airflow (windows, doors, vents, chimneys) to prevent radioactive dust from entering. 

Keep potassium iodide (KI) on-hand to protect the thyroid gland from radiation exposure. 

Follow the instructions of local authorities (if possible)  and stay informed about the situation.

• If instructed to shelter in place, stay indoors, close all windows, doors, vents, fireplace dampers, and seal off any cracks or openings to the outside. 
• Place wet towels at the base of doors/windows. 
• Choose one room (ideally master bedroom with attached bathroom), quickly bring in as many supplies as you can, and fully encapsulate and remain inside until the external contamination has dispersed. 
• Turn off fans, air conditioning, and forced-air heating.

Avoid going outside at all costs if there's a risk of radiation exposure.

Conserve water, food and electricity to prolong their use. 

• If you've been exposed to radiation, remove contaminated clothing, seal in a bag, and wash your body with soap and water.
•  Clean pets if they were outside. 

Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated with radiation. Ideally, eat only sealed food and drink bottled water.

• Watch for symptoms of radiation sickness (nausea, vomiting, weakness).
• Seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

 Follow the instructions of local authorities regarding decontamination and safe return to your home.

• Continue to monitor for symptoms of radiation sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fatigue.
• Seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms develop.
• Follow up on long-term health monitoring as recommended by health officials. 

Once external air is safe, open all windows and clear out any potential exposure.

Inspect your home for damage before entering.

Avoid any areas that may still be contaminated.