subject: Preparing For A Radiation Contamination Disaster [print this page] With the rise in the number of natural disasters that have occurred throughout the world lightly, thousands of people have realized the necessity of having a reliable supply of food. In addition to these well-known and easily planned for emergencies or disasters that could occur, there are several less expected or less well known disasters that may strike.
If you do not prepare well in advance to deal with this kind of disaster, it is likely that if these disasters strike you will not be able to get even the basic necessities without risk to yourself and your family. One of these unexpected disasters that could strike at any moment is the release of a "dirty bomb" or "radiological dispersion device (RDD)."
These dirty bombs release a significant amount of radiation over a large area in order to afflict the populace in the area. These bombs are often confused with nuclear bombs, but they are not the same.
Dirty bombs are smaller and have a smaller force of explosion and less radioactive contamination. When a bomb is dropped, you will hear the explosion.
However, you may not know whether it poisoned the immediate area with radiation or not until the authorities arrive to check out the surrounding area around the bomb. Despite this imperfect knowledge, you will want to make sure that you limit your exposure to potential radiation until you know for sure whether or not you are in danger.
This means that you will need to try to avoid breathing any radiological dust that may have been kicked up into the air. It is not likely that you will be in a convenient location when disaster strikes, as it could strike at any moment.
If you are standing outside when you hear an explosion of a dirty bomb or you hear authorities warning of a nearby radiation contamination, you will want to cover your nose and mouth and enter the nearest building.
Make sure the building is stable before you enter it, as it may have been damaged by the explosion. If you have to be inside and the building you are in was not damaged, you will not need to worry about moving anywhere, and you should stay where you are.
Close any of the windows and doors that you can and turn off air conditioners, heaters, and any other ventilation systems. However, if your building was damaged by the explosion, you will want to cover your nose and mouth and go to the nearest building that has not been damaged and go inside.
If you have been exposed to the radiation, you will want to take a shower as quickly as possible. Do not put your contaminated clothes back on, but find something else to wear.
Then, watch the TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet to find out exactly what happened and what you should do. When the bomb strikes you need to move as quickly as possible to limit your exposure time to the radiation.
This is critical to your health and safety. However, the farther away from the blast you are, the less you are exposed to the radiation.
If you can move farther away without significant risk to yourself, you will want to do so. It is also good to provide yourself with good cover, or the best shield possible.
The thicker the shield between yourself and radioactive materials, the more protection you will have. Information on what to do may not be available right away. However, be wise and you will be able to survive the disaster.
It may take days for the radiation threat to dissipate.During that time you will not be able to go to the grocery store, work, or other normal activities.
You will want to make sure that you have a 72 hour kit prepared for each family member. If a dirty bomb strikes and your family remain sheltered, they will still need to eat.
Even if you are at work when the disaster strikes and you cannot get home, your family will appreciate the food that you have prepared for them for an emergency such as this. Make sure that your 72 Hour Kit includes necessary medicines, water, and other personal items according to each family member.
These 72 hour kits could save your family members lives. You will thank yourself that you properly prepared when disaster does strike you and your family.
