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What to Do:
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What to Do If There is a Radiological Emergency:
  • To limit the amount of radiation you are exposed to, think about shielding, distance and time.
  • 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.
  • Distance: The farther away you are from the blast and the fallout, the lower your exposure.
    Time: Minimizing time spent exposed will also reduce your risk
  • The steps you should take in the event of a radiological emergency depend on where you are located when the incident occurs: outside, inside, or in a vehicle.
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If you are outside and close to the incident:
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to reduce the risk of breathing in radioactive dust or smoke.
  • Don’t touch objects thrown off by an explosion—they might be radioactive.
  • Quickly go into a building where the walls and windows have not been broken. This area will shield you from radiation that might be outside.
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If you are inside and close to the incident:
  • If the walls and windows of the building you are in are broken, go to an interior room and do not leave.
  • If the building has been heavily damaged, quickly go into a building where the walls and windows have not been broken.
  • If you must go outside to get to a safe building, make sure to cover your nose and mouth with layers of fabric.
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If the incident occurs inside your building:
  • Cover nose and mouth and go outside immediately.
  • Look for a building or other shelter that has not been damaged and quickly get inside.
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Once you are inside a secure building or room,
follow these remaining steps:
  • To keep radioactive dust or powder from getting inside, shut all windows, outside doors, and fireplace dampers. Turn off fans and heating and air-conditioning systems that bring in air from the outside.
  • Take off your outer layer of clothing and seal it in a plastic bag, if available. Put the cloth you used to cover your mouth in the bag too. Removing outer clothes may get rid of up to 90% of radioactive dust.
  • Put the plastic bag where others will not touch it and keep it until authorities tell you what to do with it.
  • Shower or wash with soap and water. Be sure to wash your hair. Washing will remove any remaining dust.
  • Listen to the local radio or television news for more instructions.
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If you are inside a car when the incident happens:
  • Close the windows and turn off the air conditioner, heater, and vents.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to avoid breathing radioactive dust or smoke.
  • If you are close to your home, office, or a public building, go there immediately and get inside quickly.
  • If you cannot get to your home or another building safely, pull over to the side of the road and stop in the safest place possible.
  • Turn off the engine and listen to the radio for instructions.
  • What to Do In a Moving Vehicle
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Be Responsible - Be Ready - Be Prepared!
Your Emergency Preparedness Team
Kings County Fire Department, O
ffice of Emergency Management
280 Campus Drive Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 582-3211, Ext. 2634

www.kingscountyoem.com
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