Radiation Emergency Preparedness

We are all aware of the increase in radiation levels as a result of the damage at Japan's nuclear power plants from the recent earthquake and tsunami. According to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the average American is exposed to approximately 620 millirems of radiation each year from natural and man-made sources.

Below you will find some recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to limit radiation contamination.

Plan Ahead

  Check with your community leaders, school and employer to explore their plans for dealing with a radiation emergency
  Develop and implement your personal family emergency plan
  Put together emergency kits
- Home: flashlight and batteries, bottled water, portable radio and batteries, canned food and can opener, first aid kit, any medications and personal items needed
- Vehicle: jumper cables, battery-powered radio, road flares, oil, antifreeze, first aid kit, blanket, fuses, flashlight and batteries, screw drivers, pliers, wrench, tire inflator, rags, paper towels, duct tape, pocket knife, pen/paper, any personal medications, matches, energy bars and bottled water
   Monitor your local government advisory reports and follow their instructions During a Radiation Emergency

  Listen to your local emergency response network for instructions

If advised to evacuate:

  Immediately leave the area quickly and bring your emergency kit with you

If advised not to evacuate:

- Home:
- Close and lock all doors and windows
- Turn off fans, air conditioners or heating units that bring in fresh air from outdoors
- Close fireplace dampers
- Move to a room with the least amount of windows, such as your basement or bathroom

- Work:
- Follow the direction of building and/or company management and/or public health authorities
- Be prepared to possibly shelter in place

More Radiation Emergency Preparedness Advice

If you were exposed to radiation:

  Remove your outer layer of clothing and place it in a plastic bag. Wash all exposed parts of your body.

The CDC does not recommend potassium iodide pills be taken until emergency management officials publically announce this recommendation.

For information about potassium iodide, visit: http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp.

For information about the differences between various types and levels of radiation, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/etp/radiation.htm.

For nuclear emergency preparedness and response information, visit: http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/emerg-preparedness.html.

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