Radiation
Threat
A radiation
threat, commonly referred to as a
"dirty bomb" or "radiological
dispersion device (RDD)", is the use of
common explosives to spread radioactive
materials over a targeted area. It is not a
nuclear blast. The force of the explosion
and radioactive contamination will be more
localized. While the blast will be
immediately obvious, the presence of
radiation will not be clearly defined until
trained personnel with specialized equipment
are on the scene. As with any radiation, you
want to try to limit exposure.
It is important to avoid breathing
radiological dust that may be released in
the air.
If There
is a Radiation Threat or "Dirty
Bomb"
- If you
are outside and there is an explosion or
authorities warn of a radiation release
nearby, cover your nose and mouth and
quickly go inside a building that has
not been damaged. If you are already
inside check to see if your building has
been damaged. If your building is
stable, stay where you are.
Close
windows and doors; turn off air
conditioners, heaters or other
ventilation systems.
- If you
are inside and there is an explosion
near where you are or you are warned of
a radiation release inside, cover nose
and mouth and go outside immediately.
Look for a building or other shelter
that has not been damaged and quickly
get inside.
Once
you are inside, close windows and doors;
turn off air conditioners, heaters or
other ventilation systems.
- If you
think you have been exposed to
radiation, take off your clothes and
wash as soon as possible.
- Stay
where you are, watch TV, listen to the
radio, or check the Internet for
official news as it becomes available.
- Remember:
To limit the amount of radiation you are
exposed to, think about time, distance
and shielding.
- Time:
Minimizing time spent exposed will
also reduce your risk.
- Distance:
The farther away you are away from
the blast and the fallout the lower
your exposure.
- Shielding:
If you have a thick shield between
yourself and the radioactive
materials more of the radiation will
be absorbed, and you will be exposed
to less.
As with any
emergency, local authorities may not be able
to immediately provide information on what
is happening and what you should do.
However, you should watch TV, listen to the
radio, or check the Internet often for
official news and information as it becomes
available.
For more
general information, see "Are
you Ready?" from Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
Taken from www.ready.gov
Radiation Threat
Visual Guide
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