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ENTRY C-02Radiation emergency: where to shelter in your home and for how long
Go to the basement or the middle of the building, close and lock the windows and doors, and turn off anything that pulls air in from outside, says the CDC. Stay inside for at least 24 hours unless officials say otherwise (CDC).
- Pick your spot now
- The checklist when it happens
- How long to stay in
- If someone knocks on the door
- Keeping your head
- Gear
Pick your spot now
Walk round your home today and decide where you would go. It takes two minutes and you will not have time to think about it later.
- Basement if you have one.
- If not, the middle of the house: an inner hallway, bathroom or closet with the most walls between you and the outside.
- Away from the roof and outer walls. The CDC says radioactive material settles on the outside of buildings.
The checklist when it happens
Ticks save on this device. Steps from the CDC and CDC.
- Everyone inside, pets too
- Close and lock all windows and doors
- Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced-air heating that bring in outside air
- Close fireplace dampers
- Go to the basement or middle of the building
- Anyone who was outside: take off outer clothes and wash (see how)
- Drink bottled water and eat food from sealed containers
- Radio on for instructions
How long to stay in
The CDC says staying inside for at least 24 hours protects you because radioactive material gets weaker over time. Do not leave until officials say it is safe, unless you have a life-threatening condition or the building is unsafe (CDC).
If someone knocks on the door
The CDC says taking in someone who was outside can save their life without endangering yours. Ask them to take off their outer clothes before they come in, then wash any skin that was uncovered and put on clean clothes if they can.
Keeping your head
FEMA's Ready.gov acknowledges that a radiation emergency is frightening and that surviving one can be traumatic. Talk to the people with you. Keep the radio on and stick to the plan.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the air conditioning running. It pulls outside air in.
- Sheltering upstairs by a window because it feels safer.
- Turning away a neighbor. The CDC says you can help them safely if they take off their outer clothes first.
- Leaving too early because nothing looks different outside. Radiation is invisible.
Gear for this
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NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
On FEMA's basic kit list, and the CDC's top way to stay tuned in a radiation emergency.
A 24-hour shelter kit
FEMA's Ready.gov kit covers water, food, a flashlight, first aid and batteries.
Bottled water
The CDC says drink bottled water during a radiation emergency.
LED lantern
Sheltering in a basement or closet for a day is easier with steady light.
Questions people ask
Where is the safest place in a house during a radiation emergency?
The basement, or the middle of the house away from the roof and outer walls, according to the CDC.
How long do you shelter in place for radiation?
At least 24 hours unless officials tell you otherwise.
Should I turn off my air conditioning?
Yes. The CDC says turn off fans, air conditioners and forced-air heating that bring in air from outside.
Sources
- CDC: Where To Go In a Radiation Emergency
- CDC: Preparing for a Radiation Emergency
- CDC: Frequently Asked Questions about Radiation Emergencies
- CDC: What to Do: Get Inside
- Ready.gov (FEMA): Radiation Emergencies
Related entries
- C-01What to do if a nuclear bomb goes offGet inside, stay inside, stay tuned. The official steps that save the most lives.
- C-06How to clean yourself off after radiation exposureTake off your outer clothes, bag them, shower with soap and shampoo, no conditioner.
- C-03Potassium iodide (KI): what it protects against and when to take itIt only protects the thyroid. Take it only when officials tell you to.
General safety information only, not medical or professional advice. Rules can change, so check the linked sources and follow your local officials. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.