Nuclear emergency
Get inside, stay inside, stay tuned. Shelter deep inside a building for at least the first 24 hours.
If there is a warning or a blast
- 1Get inside the nearest building and move away from windows.
- 2Go to the most protected spot: a basement, or the middle of a large building, behind inner walls with no windows.
- 3Stay there for at least the first 24 hours unless officials tell you otherwise or the building is unsafe.
- 4Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced-air heating that pull in outside air.
- 5Bring pets inside.
Why waiting helps
- 1Fallout is most dangerous right after it falls. Radiation levels drop quickly and become much less dangerous during the first 24 hours.
- 2Being outside for even a short time early on matters more than the same time outside days later.
If you were outside
- 1Remove your outer layer of clothing as soon as you are inside. This can remove up to 90% of radioactive material. Seal it in a plastic bag.
- 2Shower or wash with soap and water to remove particles from your skin and hair.
- 3Brush and wash pets that were outside.
- 4Do not eat food that was left uncovered outdoors. Sealed food and bottled water are safe.
Stay tuned
- 1Keep a battery or hand-crank radio. Officials will tell you when and where it is safe to go.
- 2Follow official instructions over social media rumours.
Sources
A summary of the sources above, not a substitute for official instructions or medical advice. In an emergency, follow your local authorities and call your emergency number.