Emergency Information > Shelter-in-Place > Radiological Emergencies



Radiological
Emergencies
The terrorist events of 2001 made many people wonder about the possibility of a terrorist attack involving radioactive materials. People who live near but not in the immediate area of the attack may be asked to stay home and take shelter rather than try to evacuate. Because many radioactive materials rapidly decay and dissipate, staying in your home for a short time may protect you from exposure to radiation. The walls of your home may block much of the harmful radiation. Taking a few simple precautions can help you reduce your exposure to radiation. Use the following guidelines to help protect yourself and your family and to help you prepare a safe and well-stocked shelter.

 
Prepare a Shelter in Your Home
 
  • The safest place in your home during an emergency involving radioactive material is a centrally located room or basement. This area should have as few windows as possible. The further your shelter is from windows, the safer you will be.
 
  • If you have pets, prepare a place for them to relieve themselves in the shelter. Pets should not go outside during a radiation emergency because they may track radioactive materials from fallout into the shelter. Preparing a place for pets will keep the radioactive materials from getting inside the shelter.
 

Created and Hosted by Visual Imagry, Inc. / VIPlanning