Disaster Scenarios

Nuclear & Radiological

Surviving a nuclear detonation or radiation release: fallout, shelter, decontamination and potassium iodide.

Field notes

Nuclear Detonation: Get Inside, Stay Inside, Stay Tuned

After a nuclear blast you may have 10+ minutes before fallout arrives. Get deep inside a building, stay at least 24 hours, and listen for instructions.

Critical
Potassium Iodide (KI): What It Does and Doesn't Do

KI protects only the thyroid, and only from radioactive iodine. It won't help much after a nuclear bomb. Take it only when officials tell you to.
Radiation Decontamination: Clothing Off, Then Wash

Taking off your outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material. Then shower with soap, or wipe exposed skin and hair.