What to Do During a Radiation Emergency: Stay Tuned
ShareCompartir
A nuclear power plant accident, a nuclear explosion or a dirty bomb are examples of radiation emergencies. If something like this happens, you may be asked to get inside a building and stay inside for a period of time instead of leaving.
It will be important to stay tuned once you get inside for updated instructions from emergency response officials. As officials learn more about the emergency, they will be communicating the latest information to the public. Television, radio, and social media are some examples of ways that you may receive information.
Ways to Stay Tuned
- A battery-powered or hand crank emergency radio, preferably a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio is one of the best ways to stay tuned.
- Try to use text messages (SMS). Making phone calls could be hard.
- If you have a computer, or web-enabled device that works, use email and social media websites (like CDC Emergency on Facebook and Twitter).
- Make sure your electronic devices are working. If your electronic devices with batteries are not working, you can try taking the batteries out of the device, putting them back in, and restarting the device as normal.
- For more information on emergency preparedness kits, go to http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/kit/disasters
Stay Tuned for Instructions from Emergency Officials
Local emergency officials will provide instructions on what you should do in your area. Stay tuned to find out what further actions local officials recommend to keep you and your family safe. Emergency officials will provide information on the following:
- Where to Get Screened for Radioactive Contamination
- Mental Health
- Evacuation
- Evacuation with Pets
- Shelters
- Helping Others
- Page last reviewed: October 4, 2013
- Page last updated: October 10, 2014
- Content source:
- Maintained By: