How to protect yourself from nuclear radiation
How to go about protecting oneself against radiation depends very much on the type and source of radiation one is potentially going to be exposed to and how much advance warning one has. The measures to be taken in protecting oneself against radiation from the explosion of a nuclear bomb will be somewhat different from those taken to protect against a radiation leak from a source such as a nuclear power plant.
The danger of a mass nuclear bomb attack in a war scenario has greatly receded since the peak of East-West tensions before the break-up of the Soviet Union. The threat today is more likely to come from a rogue country or from terrorist organizations detonating relatively small devices but almost certainly in a densely populated region for maximum impact. The very randomness of the locations that might be selected for terrorist attacks, makes it extremely difficult to be prepared and protected against the nuclear fallout.
If advance notice of a nuclear bomb attack is received, then the best protection is to evacuate the area. It is important to bear in mind that potentially tens of thousands of others will also be evacuating at the same time. So it might be a good idea to be prepared for spending a very long time in your car or on a bus or train. If you have advance notice that an incident leading to evacuation is likely to occur, it is a good idea to prepare an emergency evacuation pack in case you are stranded. This should contain non-perishable food and water in sufficient quantities to provide for you and your family for up to 24 hours. If you are expecting to be confined to your home you should ensure you have supplies for two weeks. You should also check if your building or community has designated shelters.
To protect against radiation following a blast, you need to surround yourself with the densest materials you can find to absorb or deflect harmful rays. Furniture and books can be used to build protective walls. Cellars or basements should be used to shelter in if available. Remember to bring food, water, a radio and flashlights to your shelter. Stay in the shelter until you receive the all clear from the authorities (monitor your radio if possible).
If you are threatened by radiation from an accidental leak at a nuclear plant, you need to inform yourself as to what the extent of the contamination is and how high is the dosage. If the plant has emitted a cloud of radioactive gas into the atmosphere it will be blown in the same direction as the wind. If you are downwind from the plant try and find shelter in a cellar or basement. At the very least stay indoors. You are at risk from falling radioactive dust particles so try and ensure they cannot fall directly on you. Following the contamination, ensure you eat and drink only foodstuffs and liquids that are sourced from a non-contaminated area. Seek medical treatment as soon as its safe to do so.
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