Take Cover

Get Distance

Have an Escape Plan

SPECIFIC TERRORIST THREATS

Nuclear Threat

A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground surfaces for miles around.

If There is a Nuclear Blast

* Take cover immediately, below ground if possible, though any shield or shelter will help protect you from the immediate effects of the blast and the pressure wave.

* Quickly assess the situation.

* Consider if you can get out of the area or if it would be better to go inside a building and follow your plan to "shelter-in-place."

* In order 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.

Use available information to assess the situation. If there is a significant radiation threat, health care authorities may or may not advise you to take potassium iodide. Potassium iodide is the same stuff added to your table salt to make it iodized. It may or may not protect your thyroid gland, which is particularly vulnerable, from radioactive iodine exposure. Consider keeping potassium iodide in your emergency kit, learn what the appropriate doses are for each of your family members. Plan to speak with your health care provider in advance about what makes sense for your family.
For more information, see Potassium Iodide from Centers for Disease Control.