Ready For Unsteady

Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life
Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life

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Radiation Exposure Preparedness

Whether facing nuclear accidents, medical emergencies, or other radiation threats, understanding basic protection principles can significantly improve safety outcomes. 

Become familiar with shelter strategies, contamination avoidance, and post-exposure considerations.

Understanding Radiation Exposure

Radiation is energy released from atoms in the form of waves or particles. While some exposure is natural and harmless, certain types (especially in emergencies like nuclear accidents or radiological attacks) can pose serious health risks. 

Ionizing radiation (like gamma rays, x-rays, and particle radiation) can break DNA strands inside cells Cells may repair themselves successfully, die off (causing tissue damage or organ failure), or mutate and reproduce abnormally, increasing cancer risk. 

Radiation affects rapidly dividing cells most. Bone marrow, where immune cells are produced, is especially vulnerable. Exposure may in weakened immunity, increased risk of infection, and impaired wound healing.

Knowing the different types of radiation can help you better understand what protective actions to take.

How Exposure Happens:

  • Breathing in radioactive dust or smoke particles (e.g., from a dirty bomb or nuclear accident).
  • Ingesting contaminated food, water, or soil.
  • Alpha-emitting materials entering the body through cuts or wounds.

Examples: Plutonium-239, Americium-241 in smoke detectors, radon gas.

How Exposure Happens:

  • Skin contact with beta-emitting radioactive materials (e.g., fallout dust).
  • Inhaling or ingesting radioactive particles (e.g., strontium-90 in contaminated milk).
  • Handling contaminated objects without proper protection.

Examples: Strontium-90, Carbon-14, radioactive medical tracers.

How Exposure Happens:

  • Standing near an unshielded gamma source (e.g., during a radiological emergency).
  • Being in close proximity to fallout after a nuclear detonation.
  • Entering an area with high radiation levels without proper shielding.

Examples: Cesium-137, cobalt-60, fallout from nuclear weapons or reactor accidents.

How Exposure Happens:

  • Repeated or high-dose exposure from medical imaging equipment (if improperly used).
  • Exposure during industrial radiography (e.g., inspecting welds in pipelines).

Examples: Medical X-ray machines, airport scanners, industrial inspection equipment.

How Exposure Happens:

  • Present during nuclear detonations or inside active nuclear reactors.
  • Not commonly encountered outside specialized environments.

Examples: Nuclear weapons testing, research reactors.

Fallout from a Nuclear Detonation or Reactor Accident

  • Gamma rays can travel long distances and penetrate buildings, making them the most dangerous in widespread fallout.
  • Beta particles can contaminate surfaces, clothing, food, and water—posing both external and internal risks.
  • Alpha particles, while less penetrating, are dangerous if inhaled or ingested—but typically only after fallout settles.
  • Nuclear weapon detonation in a warfare or terrorism context (e.g., dirty bombs or strategic strikes).
  • Radiological dispersion devices (RDDs) or “dirty bombs” using conventional explosives to spread radioactive material.
  • Radon gas exposure in homes (an alpha emitter, but long-term not acute emergency—more of a health maintenance concern)
  • Escape Routes: Identify multiple escape routes from your home in case you need to evacuate.
  • Meeting Place: Designate a safe meeting place outside your home for your family.

Most people don’t plan to be in the middle of a protest, riot, or volatile public event—but it can happen unexpectedly. You might be commuting, attending a large gathering, or just in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

  • Protective Gear: Durable helmet (even a skateboard helmet works),
  • Protective goggles or Z87+ safety glasses, and a 
  • A dust mask or respirator fitted with CS/OC filters to guard against tear gas and pepper spray. 
  • Water & Hydration: At least one large bottle of water per person—also useful for rinsing eyes or wounds.
  • First‑Aid & Medical Supplies: Compact medkit with bandages, antiseptic, a CAT tourniquet or Israeli pressure dressing, plus any personal meds for 36+ hours.
  • Communication tools: cell phone power bank, whistle or personal alarm, portable radio (battery or hand‑crank)
  • Multi‑Tool & Light: Multi‑tool or knife, flashlight with backup batteries or hand‑crank option.
  • Sanitation & Hygiene: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and feminine products—packed in a waterproof pouch.
  • Eye & Respiratory Defense: Waterproof saline or water for flushing eyes, plus bandana or extra mask for added protection.
  • Legal & ID Documents: Copies of IDs, emergency contact info, medical information, minor cash in a waterproof bag.

Preparing for Radiation Exposure

  • 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 (interior rooms with few windows and thick walls, ideally a basement or master bedroom with attached bathroom).
  • 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.
  • Large plastic sheeting or tarps (at least 2–6 mil thick; clear or opaque)
  • Heavy-duty duct tape or painter’s tape (multiple rolls)
    Scissors or utility knife
  • Towels or rags for under-door gaps
  • Weather stripping or foam tape (optional but helpful for vents or windows)
  • Staple gun or thumbtacks (if taping doesn’t adhere well to a surface, put tape over the staple/thumbtack)
  • Pre-cut cardboard or plywood (for broken or cracked windows)
  • Protects the thyroid: KI blocks the uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland, reducing the risk of thyroid cancer after exposure.
  • Only works for radioactive iodine: It does not protect against other types of radiation (e.g., cesium, plutonium, gamma rays).
  • Most effective when taken at the right time:
    • Ideally within 1–2 hours of exposure to radioactive iodine.
    • Can still provide some benefit if taken up to 24 hours after exposure.
  • Should only be taken when directed by public health officials: taking KI unnecessarily can cause side effects.
  • Available in tablet or liquid form: dosage depends on age, weight, and health status (e.g., children, adults, pregnant women).
  • Store in a cool, dry place, ideally in your emergency kit with other shelter-in-place supplies.
  • Possible side effects: Allergic reactions, stomach upset, or thyroid dysfunction, especially with repeated use or preexisting thyroid conditions.
  • Not a substitute for sheltering in place or other protective actions: it’s just one layer of protection.

First Actions to Take if Radiation Exposure is Imminent

Infographic titled “Sheltering in Place: Radiation Emergency” with four icons and steps: Get Inside, Seal the Room, Stay Indoors, and Listen for Updates.

If a nuclear bomb has been detonated or a reactor has exploded, you will not have time to escape the fallout zone. Fallout can begin settling within 10–20 minutes of the explosion and can travel for miles, carried by wind. In this critical window, your best chance of survival is to shelter in place immediately.

  • Do Not Try to Outrun It: Fallout travels faster than traffic and can reach areas before you’re out of danger.
  • Evacuating after the explosion can increase your exposure to radioactive dust and particles.
  • Immediate sheltering is the most effective way to reduce radiation exposure in the first hours.
  • Seal Your Shelter
    • Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
    • Shut all vents, chimneys, fireplace dampers, and exhaust fans.
    • Use plastic sheeting, tarps, or large garbage bags and duct tape to cover windows, doors, and vents.
    • Place wet towels or blankets at the base of doors and windows to block air leaks.
  • Choose One Room
    • Pick an interior room or basement, ideally a master bedroom with an attached bathroom to limit exposure to other areas.
    • The room should have as few windows and exterior walls as possible.
    • Avoid areas near garages or large open spaces with poor insulation.
  • Bring In Supplies Quickly
    • Water, non-perishable food, flashlights, radio, batteries, sanitation supplies, medications, first aid kit, and blankets.
    • Don’t forget potassium iodide (if available) and supplies for pets.
  • Turn Off All Air Circulation Systems
    • Shut down HVAC systems, air conditioning, and forced-air heating.
    • Close off internal vents between rooms.
  • Stay Encapsulated
    • Do not leave your shelter for at least 24–72 hours unless authorities say it’s safe.
    • Fallout radiation is most intense in the first few hours and drops significantly over time (about 90% reduction in 48 hours).
  • Ration water: Use only what’s necessary—aim for 1 quart per person per day for drinking.
  • Use moist towelettes or waterless soap to clean hands and surfaces instead of running water.
  • Limit food waste by opening only what you need at the time. Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated. Ideally, eat only sealed food and drink bottled water.
  • Minimize toilet use if plumbing is compromised; use emergency toilet bags or lined buckets.
  • Keep electronics off when not in use to preserve battery life (especially radios and flashlights).
  • Seal opened food packages tightly to avoid contamination and spoilage.
  • Remove outer clothing immediately if exposed: it can eliminate up to 90% of contamination.
  • Place contaminated clothing in a sealed plastic bag and move it as far from your shelter area as possible.
  • Shower with warm water and mild soap – no conditioner or lotions. Lotions, creams, and conditioners can trap radioactive particles, preventing from washing them off effectively.
  • NO SCRUBBING: Scrubbing or using abrasive soaps can cause tiny cuts or abrasions, allowing radioactive materials to enter the body more easily. The goal is to rinse particles off the surface, not grind them into the skin.
  • Rinse hair thoroughly with water. Wash gently—like you’re cleaning off chalk dust, not oil or grease.
  • Clean pets with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes, avoiding harsh soaps.
  • Watch for symptoms of radiation sickness (typically 1-6 hours after exposure): nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache, skin burns or redness, dizziness, fever, low blood pressure.
  • Ideal situation would be to seek medical attention if symptoms develop. But if you cannot get immediate medical attention:
    • Get out of the exposure area (if you’re not already sheltering in place)
    • Avoid re-contaminating yourself or others: change clothes, decontaminate, and isolate contaminated items.
    • Initiate decontamination procedures: remove clothing and seal in a plastic bag, shower with lukewarm water, rinse thoroughly
    • Stay hydrated as much as possible: take anti-nausea medications and frequent small sips of water with an electrolyte solution.
    • Take potassium iodide following correct dosage by age group.
    • Rest: conserve energy – your immune system may be compromised.
    • Keep a record of symptoms and report to a healthcare provider as soon as safely feasible.

After Radiation Exposure

  • Do not leave your shelter until public health or emergency officials announce it’s safe.
  • Radiation levels may drop by 90% within the first 48–72 hours, but hotspots may still remain.
  • Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, gloves, mask if possible).
  • Avoid touching surfaces or debris until you’ve assessed contamination.
  • Minimize movement in outdoor areas until cleanup is confirmed.
  • If you’re going outside for the first time, change clothes and gently wash exposed skin when returning.
  • Keep contaminated items sealed and stored away from your living area.
  • Once declared safe, air out your shelter by opening windows and doors to flush lingering particles.
  • Clean surfaces with damp cloths—do not sweep or vacuum, which can spread particles.
  • Discard any food or water that wasn’t sealed or stored indoors.
  • Wash bedding, clothing, and soft goods if contamination is suspected.
  • Be aware of delayed effects such as fatigue, weakened immunity, or unusual bruising.
  • Follow up with regular health screenings, especially thyroid or blood panels if exposure was high.
  • Inform local authorities about hazardous areas or debris.
  • Take photos of damage for documentation and assistance claims.
  • Continue listening to official broadcasts or checking trusted websites.
  • Local agencies may offer cleanup help, water testing, or medical clinics for exposed individuals.