Dirty Bombs: WHAT TO DO
A "dirty bomb," also known as a radiological weapon, is a conventional explosive such as dynamite that has been packaged with radioactive material, which scatters when the bomb goes off. A dirty bomb kills or injures through the initial blast of the conventional explosive and by airborne radiation and contamination -- hence the term "dirty." Such bombs could be miniature devices or as big as a truck bomb.
A "dirty bomb" explosion could expose people to loose radioactive material in the air,
which could be inhaled, people are advised to quickly move away from the immediate area, at least several blocks from the explosion, and tune in to local radio or TV broadcasts for instructions from emergency officials.
Emergency response officials will arrange medical treatment for those injured by the
blast, evacuating people from the area, decontaminating those who were contaminated, and assessing any internal or external exposures.
In most cases the radiological material involved would be dispersed into the air and reduced to relatively low concentrations, resulting in low doses to people exposed. A low level contamination could slightly increase the long-term risk or cancer.
If advised to remain at home:
- Bring pets inside.
- Close and lock windows and doors.
- Turn off air conditioning, vents, fans and furnace.
- Close fireplace dampers.
- Go to the basement or other underground area.
- Stay inside until authorities say it is safe.
- If you must go out, cover mouth and nose.
- Be prepared to evacuate or find shelter in your home.
When coming in from outdoors:
Shower and change clothing and shoes. Put items worn outdoors in a plastic bag and seal it.
If advised to evacuate:
- Listen to a radio or television for information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters, and procedures.
- Minimize contamination in house.
- Close and lock windows and doors.
- Turn off air conditioning, vents, fans, and furnace.
- Close fireplace dampers.
- Take disaster supplies.
After the event:
When the immediate danger has passed, avoid using foods from your garden or milk from your cows or goats until a local emergency official can inspect them. Contamination could affect areas as far as 50 miles from the accident site.
THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO MINIMIZE RADIATION EXPOSURE TO YOUR BODY:
Distance -The more distance between you and the source of the radiation, the less radiation you will receive. In a serious nuclear accident, local officials will likely call for an evacuation, thereby increasing the distance between you and the radiation.
Shielding -Like distance, the more heavy, dense materials between you and the source of the radiation, the better. This is why local officials could advise you to remain indoors if a radiological accident occurs. In some cases, the walls in your home would be sufficient shielding to protect you.
Time -Most radioactivity loses its strength fairly quickly. Limiting the time spent near the source of radiation reduces the amount of radiation you will receive. Following a radiological accident, local authorities will monitor any release of radiation and determine when the threat has passed.
