Step 14 Radiological Emergencies – Learn about Them

Ventura County is leading the way in terrorism preparedness by being one of the first counties in the nation to have a nuclear detonation plan. This plan deals with the effects on our community in the event of a nuclear bomb detonation.

Just-in-time: Nuclear Detonation –10 Rules for the Public and Citizen Responders

1. Duck & Cover when you see a flash- Stay behind cover for at least two full minutes. Keep your eyes closed to prevent blindness.
2. Go in. Stay in. Tune in- Shelter in place by going to the center of a building. Close windows and doors. It may be necessary to shelter for 24 – 48 hours.
3. Radioactive fallout- could look like sand, silt, smoke or ash.
4. Radiation levels- from deposited fallout may rise first before decreasing rapidly. Rule of thumb: if fallout is complete at 1 hour – 7 hours later it is 10% of the 1 hour level.
5. Maintain Communication- Monitor radio, TV or internet. Follow directions of local authorities.
6. Protective equipment for the public- Use masks or several layers of cloth to cover your nose and mouth.
7. If Exposed- Before going inside, remove your clothes, wipe exposed hair and skin areas or shower if possible.
8. Orderly evacuation of your shelter-in-place location- When told by authorities it is safe to leave the area, follow directions of emergency responders.
9. Hazard avoidance- Avoid outdoor exposure during the first minutes and hours after the fallout arrives.
10. Stay in control- By following the above rules, you will know the proper actions to take and will not panic during a nuclear emergency.

Helpful web sites:

Homeland Security Committee of the Health Physics Society – www.dhs.gov/radiological-attack

Next Step 15 Other Disaster Scenarios- Implement the Steps!