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VDEM Terrorism Toolkit
Weapons of Mass Destruction > Nuclear and Radiological
Description
Q: What are radiological or nuclear weapons?
A: There are two different types of radiological weapons used by terrorists – nuclear explosives (bombs) or Radiological dispersal devices (RDD).
- Nuclear bombs use the splitting of atoms to create an explosion.
- Radiological dispersal devices (RDD) use a conventional explosive device to disperse radioactive material. These are commonly called dirty bombs.
Q: How do nuclear explosions differ from conventional explosions?
A: A blast or explosion is a rapid release of a large amount of energy within a limited space. There are five basic differences between nuclear and conventional blasts:
- Nuclear explosions result from the splitting of atoms. Conventional explosions are caused by chemical reactions.
- Nuclear explosions can be millions of times more powerful than the largest conventional explosion. The resultant shock wave from a nuclear explosion can destroy buildings and other structures for miles around. This shock wave is accompanied by high winds.
- Nuclear explosions create much higher temperatures and brighter light flashes, to the extent that skin burns and fires can occur at considerable distances. The temperatures at the center of a nuclear explosion can reach tens of millions of degrees.
- Nuclear explosions are accompanied by highly penetrating and harmful radiation.
- Nuclear explosions spread radioactive debris over very large areas. Small particles may travel many miles in the atmosphere before settling to the ground as fallout. Potentially harmful radiation exposure from the debris is possible long after the explosion.
Q: What is radiation?
A: Radiation is the movement of energy through space and material. Radioactive materials produce a form of radiation we know as nuclear or ionizing radiation. Both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation are part of our natural environment.
- Light, heat, sound, radio waves and microwaves are examples of non-ionizing radiation. In extreme doses, this radiation can heat tissues and cause burns.
- Ionizing radiation has enough energy to break chemical bonds and disrupt the function of living cells and tissues.
Q: I've heard people talk about gamma rays. Are gamma rays the same thing as nuclear radiation?
A: Gamma rays are one type of ionizing radiation. Gamma rays are one of three common types of ionizing radiation emitted by radioactive atoms. The other two are alpha and beta particles.
- Gamma rays travel great distances – up to a mile. They easily penetrate most materials and travel at the speed of light. Protection from gamma rays requires dense material. Lead is the best shield. Concrete and other metals can act as shields, but are less effective.
- Alpha particles are the largest, heaviest and most energetic type of radiation. They travel the shortest distance – less than six inches – and lose their energy very quickly. Your skin is an effective shield against alpha particles. However, if you inhale or ingest radioactive material that contains them, alpha particles can be the most damaging of all types of nuclear radiation.
- Beta particles are smaller and faster than alpha particles. They can penetrate our skin, but rarely reach muscles and vital organs beneath. They can cause beta burns (radiation burns) and damage to our eyes (cataracts). Wood, plastic and heavy clothing are some material that can protect you from beta particles.
Q: What happens when a nuclear bomb blows up?
A: When a nuclear bomb is detonated, there is a large blast of initial radiation and thermal radiation, followed within seconds by a shock wave and radioactive fallout, which can continue for some time.
- Thermal radiation – Energy released by the explosion includes ionizing radiation and tremendous amounts of light and heat (thermal radiation), which travel ahead of the shock wave. This light flash is so intense it can cause flashblindess and skin burns miles away.
- Shock or blast – The rapid release of energy in a small, enclosed space causes an enormous increase in temperature and pressure. Materials within this space are converted into hot, compressed gases that expand rapidly, causing a shock wave. The shock wave drives air away from the center of the explosion, producing sudden changes in air pressure that can crush objects, and destroy buildings and structures for miles around. It is accompanied by high winds. Nuclear explosions are similar to conventional explosions in that their immediate destructive action is due mainly to this blast or shock.
- Radiation – Initial nuclear radiation is radiation emitted within the first minute after the explosion. This consists of gamma rays and neutrons, which are highly penetrating and travel great distances. Residual nuclear radiation (fallout) is the radioactive material produced during the blast. Radioactive debris from the detonation will continue falling for some time after the explosion.
Q: What will happen to a nuclear power plant if the terrorists fly a plane into it?
A: Protective measures are in place to prevent the release of radioactive material.
- Nuclear power plants place three barriers between radioactive materials and the environment – high-density, reinforced concrete containment buildings (dome-like structures), steel-clad reactor vessels and clad fuel cells. The chance of any single barrier failing is unlikely and the chance of all three barriers failing simultaneously is extremely remote even following a direct hit from a plane or missile.
- A reactor cannot explode like a nuclear bomb. Nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors are designed differently and contain different types of radioactive material.
- Plant operators and federal, state, and local county governments are required to maintain emergency plans to deal with radiological hazards. If you live in an area near a nuclear facility, you should be familiar with emergency response and evacuation information. In Virginia, this information is available in your telephone book and in calendars distributed to residents within a 10-mile radius of the power stations.
Transmission
Q: How can I be exposed to radiation following a terrorist incident?
A: Terrorists can expose you to radiation by three methods – a nuclear explosion, a radiological dispersal device (RDD) or an attack on a nuclear facility.
- Following a nuclear explosion, you can be exposed to the initial radiation released in the first minute of the explosion or radiation from radioactive fallout, which drops to the ground over time.
- Radiation exposure from a RDD includes radioactive fragments from the device, the initial radiation release and the subsequent fallout.
- If a nuclear facility is sabotaged you could come into contact with an immediate release of radioactive material suspended in the air as a result of fire or explosion, such as a plume of steam or smoke. You can be contaminated with the subsequent fallout.
Q: How will I know when if I'm being exposed to nuclear radiation?
A: Radiation is not visible. Radiation does not have an odor or taste. Radiation can only be detected by specialized equipment.
Q: How does radiation harm me?
A: Radiation can penetrate the human body and damage living cells. Our body is continually replacing and repairing cells (natural defenses). If the body either improperly repairs the damage, or can't replace the cells fast enough, illness, injury or death may result. Check with your local health department or health care provider for further information on the effects of radiation exposure.
Q: How will I know when radiation levels are dangerous?
A: Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction. Should a nuclear incident occur, technicians, with the aid of instruments will monitor radiation levels in the affected areas. State and local emergency management officials will advise you on any actions to take.
Q: If I hide behind or under something will it help protect me from a nuclear explosion and fallout?
A: Yes, it could help if you get under or behind an object following a nuclear detonation. Shielding is a protective measure you can take. A shield is any material you place between the radiation source and you. A shield helps absorb radioactive energy before it reaches you and may minimize the harmful immediate blast effects and fallout exposure.
Effects on people and environment
Q: What are my chances of surviving a nuclear bomb explosion?
A: No one can say what your chances are of surviving a nuclear explosion. Your chance of surviving the initial blast depends on the size of the explosion, the distance you are from the explosion and the shielding material between you and the blast. The further away from the center of the blast and the more material placed between you and the blast, the higher your chances are of surviving.
Q: If I survive the initial blast from a nuclear bomb explosion, what are my chances of surviving the after affects?
A: No one can say what your chances of surviving are. There are three important ways to reduce your exposure to radiation from the blast: time, distance and shielding.
- The less time you remain in a radiation field and the further you are from radioactive materials the less exposure you will receive. The intensity of radiation decreases the further it travels from its source.
- Also, the more material you place between you and the radiation source the less exposure you'll receive. The intensity of radiation is reduced by absorption and scattering in the shielding material. Lead is the most effective shield. Some radiation is shielded by wood or plastic. Virtually any material shields some radioactive particles.
Q: What can radiation do to me?
A: Radiation damages cells. Any organism will die if it is exposed to too much radiation. Exposed individuals suffer a full range of injuries from invisible blood change effects, to superficial burns and serious radiation sickness. The severity of effects depends on the amount of radiation exposure. Generally, a large acute exposure results in effects you can see, such as radiation sickness or death, shortly after exposure. Exposure can also result in effects, like cancer, that show up after a number of years, and genetic effects that may affect your offspring.
Q: What are the symptoms of radiation sickness?
A: The initial symptoms of all radiation sickness are nausea, vomiting and high fever. Symptoms resemble many common illnesses, including influenza and the common cold. Symptoms appear shortly after exposure, then disappear for a few days only to reappear in a much more serious form in a week or so.
Q: Is nuclear radiation always deadly?
A: No, it is not always deadly. It is possible to recover from a sub-lethal dose. However, large supra lethal doses are always fatal within a few hours to a few days. Lethal doses also have high mortality rates, and require medical attention to improve prognosis for individual cases.
Q: What are the symptoms for the different levels of exposure?
A: The symptoms are as follows:
- Following a sub-lethal dose, nausea and occasional vomiting occur within hours.
- In the third week symptoms include anorexia, mild skin irritation, diarrhea, fatigue, drowsiness and hair loss.
- Recovery is possible.
- Changes in blood cells are detectable in laboratory tests.
- Lethal radiation doses occur following exposure to a large amount of radiation within a relatively short time.
- Acute radiation sickness occurs at this level of exposure.
- Initial flu-like symptoms occur within a few minutes or hours.
- In the second week, symptoms including weight loss, fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, anorexia, and severe skin irritation occur.
- In the third week, there can be hair loss and internal bleeding.
- By the fourth week or later there is a 50 percent chance of death from changes in blood cells if not treated.
- Supra-lethal radiation doses are followed within minutes of exposure by flu-like symptoms.
- In these severe cases, shock, unconsciousness, diarrhea, abdominal pains, cramps, fever, severe skin irritation, burns, blisters, insomnia and restlessness accompany the initial nausea and vomiting.
- Very high doses cause irreparable damage to the central nervous system cells.
- Terminal symptoms may include over-excitability, lack of coordination, breathing difficulty, and occasional periods of disorientation.
- At these dose levels, death occurs within hours to days.
Q: What could it be like in my community after a nuclear attack?
A: Depending on the severity or type of attack, many things could happen in your community:
- There can be significant numbers of casualties.
- There can be significant damage to buildings and the infrastructure.
- Health and mental health resources in the affected communities can be strained to the limits, maybe even overwhelmed.
- There can be heavy law enforcement involvement at local, state and federal levels due to the event's criminal nature.
- Workplaces and schools may be closed, and there may be restrictions on domestic and international travel.
- You may have to evacuate an area.
- Cleanup may take months and public fear can continue for a prolonged period.
Medical response
Q: What should I do if I am exposed to radioactive material?
A: Seek emergency medical assistance. Call 911, your local emergency service or go to the nearest emergency medical facility.
Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction.
Q: Is there any treatment for radiation exposure?
A: Yes, treatment depends upon the nature and seriousness of the exposure. Whatever the injury, a medical doctor should treat the individual. By examining blood microscopically, a medical doctor can diagnose exposure before other effects appear. Individuals exposed to radioactive material may suffer from a full range of injuries from invisible blood change effects at low doses to superficial burns and serious radiation sickness at high doses.
Q: How do I know how much radiation I've been exposed to?
A: You probably won't know what dose you have received unless diagnosed by a doctor. Seek medical assistance. The severity and the time of onset of early radiation sickness following exposure are important indicators in determining what the later symptoms of sickness will be.
Q: If people have radiation burns what should I do?
A: A radiation burn does not manifest itself for a day or so after exposure. Often times the burn is confused with an insect sting. Burns resulting from a nuclear incident should be treated like any other burn injuries.
- Stop the burning by cooling the burn with large amounts of water.
- Cover the burn with dry, clean dressing or cloth.
- Seek medical attention.
Q: It appears an explosion of some sort has happened in town. I'm on the scene calling from my cell phone. There are terrible injuries and no ambulance has arrived. What should I do? I don't know basic first aid.
A: Do not approach the scene or remain in the area unless advised to do so by your local authorities. Following an explosion there is always the possibility of a second device designed to injure or kill first responders or bystanders. In addition, you will not be able to determine whether biological, chemical or nuclear materials were used in the explosion. Do not enter the scene until appropriate precautions are taken and local authorities have determined it is safe. Meanwhile you can:
- Call for medical assistance.
- Tune in to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information.
If you are advised that it is safe to remain in the area, check victims for unconsciousness and life-threatening situations. Someone who has a life-threatening condition such as not breathing or severe bleeding requires immediate care by trained responders.
Seek medical assistance or ask if someone is trained in first aid procedure. If trained help is not available and you provide assistance, remember to protect yourself while administering first aid.
Avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids. If possible, use protective equipment, such as disposable gloves.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after giving care.
You should:
- Call for medical assistance.
- Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction.
When you are advised that it is safe to remain in the area, check victims for unconsciousness and life-threatening situations. Someone who has a life-threatening condition such as not breathing or severe bleeding requires immediate care by trained responders.
- Seek medical assistance or ask if someone is trained in first aid procedure.
If trained help is not available and you provide assistance, remember to protect yourself while administering first aid.
- Avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids. If possible, use protective equipment, such as disposable gloves.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water immediately after giving care.
Basic first aid steps, recommended by the Red Cross:
- Control bleeding
- Cover the wound with a dressing, and press firmly against the wound (direct pressure).
- Elevate injured areas above the level of the heart, if you do not suspect that the victim has a broken bone.
- Cover the dressing with a roller bandage.
- If the bleeding does not stop apply additional dressings and bandages and using a pressure point squeeze the artery against the bone.
- Care for shock:
- Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated.
- Elevate the legs about 12 inches (if broken bones are not suspected).
- Do not give food or drink to the victim.
- Tend burns:
- Stop the burning by cooling the burn with large amounts of water.
- Cover the burn with dry, clean dressing or cloth.
- Care for injuries to muscles, bones and joints:
- Rest the injured part.
- Avoid any movement or activity that causes pain.
- If you must move the victim because the scene is becoming unsafe, try to immobilize the injured part to keep it from moving.
- Administer CPR:
- If you have training, administer CPR to someone who stops breathing and has no pulse, or locate someone else who can administer CPR.
Q: Can I take iodine to protect me from radiation?
A: Only take potassium iodide (KI) if advised to do so by your medical provider or local health officials. There are several reasons taking KI is not recommended without the proper supervision:
- There are medical risks with taking KI, such as overdosing or allergic reactions.
- KI is only effective in blocking radioactive iodine in the thyroid. Radioactive iodine is only one of many radioactive products, which may be released during nuclear power plant accidents or nuclear device detonations.
- Your primary risk from a severe radiological accident is a whole body dose of radioactive material, not just radioactive iodine accumulation in the thyroid. The use of KI should not be substituted for prompt evacuation or sheltering.
- KI is currently recommended only as an addition to other protective measures, such as evacuation, sheltering and the assurance of uncontaminated food.
Check with your medical provider for more details on taking potassium iodide.
Q: What does potassium iodide do?
A: Potassium iodide (KI) prevents an accumulation of radioactive iodine in your thyroid. When taken, KI saturates the thyroid with non-radioactive iodine. Once saturated, the thyroid cannot absorb any more iodine.
Q: I have a tiny baby – just a few weeks old. Is she more susceptible to radiation injury?
A: Yes, a child, infant or unborn fetus is more susceptible to radiation injury because they are growing and have more rapidly dividing cells than adults. Cells that divide more rapidly are more susceptible to injury. This is why our white blood cell system and reproductive system are more susceptible to radiation injury than our nervous system.
Q: I'm nursing my baby. What should I do? Should I stop nursing her and put her on a bottle?
A: There is no need to wean a baby, unless a mother has indications of exposure to radiation. Check with local health care authorities for specific information on exposure in your area.
Immediate response
Q: How can I protect myself from immediate radiation exposure following a nuclear explosion?
A: Seek shelter. The three important methods of reducing exposure are time, distance and shielding.
- Time – the less time you remain in a radiation field, the less exposure you will receive.
- Distance – The further you are from the source of radioactive materials the less exposure you'll have. The intensity of radiation decreases the further it travels from its source.
- Shielding – The more material placed between you and a radiation source the less exposure you'll receive. The intensity of radiation is reduced by absorption and scattering in the material. Lead is the most effective shield. Some radiation is shielded by wood or plastic. Virtually any material shields some radioactive particles.
Q: How can I protect myself from the immediate blast of a nuclear bomb?
A: If you are warned of an impending nuclear detonation:
- Take shelter in the best-protected facility available.
- Lie face down behind a substantial object and shield your eyes. It is possible to avoid some effects of the blast wave and thermal radiation exposure if this evasive action is taken immediately.
Q: If a terrorist detonates a radiological device nearby, what should I do?
A: After protecting yourself from the immediate blast and fallout, listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction.
Q: Is there a radio or television station in my area that will keep me updated during a nuclear disaster?
A: Wait a moment please, while I look it up for you. (NOTE: Check list of local Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcast stations, if available.)
Q: I was told that I am in an area affected by radiation. What should I do now?
A: Listen to your local Emergency Alert Systems (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction or call your emergency manager. Go indoors and close all windows and doors. Turn off fans, heating and air conditioning systems, and close any other air intakes. Also:
- Keep your telephone lines open for emergency communication.
- Cover all open food containers. Unopened food, water and milk supplies in your home should be safe.
- Don't eat any fresh produce from a garden until you are told it is safe. Put pets or livestock under cover and provide them with stored feed and water.
- Stay indoors until you are notified it is safe to go outside.
- Stay tuned to your local EAS radio or television station for emergency information and instruction.
Q: I am a farmer and have dairy cows, and other livestock too. What should I do with my livestock if there's radioactive fallout?
A: Grazing cattle whose meat or milk is consumed by man may eat radioactive particles deposited on the ground. The public should heed official warnings to prevent this sort of exposure. If you raise livestock in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant, you should be prepared to feed and water your livestock within shelters in case of an accidental radioactive release.
- Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information.
- Put pets or livestock under cover and provide them will stored feed and water.
- Call your local agricultural extension office for more information.
Q: How can I protect myself from nuclear fallout?
A: The only protection from nuclear fallout is to minimize your exposure to it. Quickly seek shelter as far away from the radioactive source as possible.
- Seek shelter that provides the best possible shielding, such as basements, interior rooms of a house or highway culverts. Denser materials such as concrete or metal provide the most shielding from radiation.
- Your primary objective is survival. Try to remove any fallout particles from your body before entering the shelter, but do not let this keep you out of a shelter. Do not delay entry into a shelter to remove fallout completely from your clothing. Any outside exposure rate will be much greater than any fallout you could track into a shelter.
- If fallout arrives before reaching shelter, cover as much of the body as possible to keep particles from depositing on the skin. This should include, as a minimum, long sleeves, hat and gloves. If adequate clothing is not available, make use of any available material such as newspaper to cover the head. Place hands in pockets to keep them as fallout free as possible.
- If the air is very dusty, a folded cloth over the nose and mouth can act as a filter. This can prevent some ingestion or inhalation of the fallout particles.
Terrorist threats
Q: What should I do if someone threatens a terrorist action?
A: If you receive a threat:
- Get as much information from the caller as possible.
- Keep the caller on the line and document everything that is said.
- Notify law enforcement authorities.
After you've been notified of a threat:
- Do not touch any suspicious packages.
- Clear the area and notify law enforcement authorities immediately.
- Avoid standing in front of windows or other potentially hazardous areas. Do not block sidewalks or streets to be used by emergency officials.
Q: I've noticed suspicious activity at the house next door. Should I call someone and report what is going on?
A: Report any suspicious activity to local authorities. If you suspect a crime is being, or is about to be committed, call 911. If the activity simply appears suspicious, call the police non-emergency number and be prepared to describe the activity in detail.
Q: What should I do if I find a suspicious substance?
A: Take the following steps:
- Do not touch the substance and don't try to clean up the substance.
- Alert nearby people.
- Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
- Report the substance to local law enforcement authorities and seek medical assistance.
- Remove any contaminated clothing and place in sealed bags. Wash you hands and exposed body surfaces with soap and water.
Q: What can I do if I am in a contaminated area?
A: Take the following steps:
- If you suspect an unknown airborne agent has contaminated a room, warn those nearby and leave the area immediately.
- Close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering. Turn off fans or ventilation units.
- Remove contaminated clothing and place in sealed bags or containers. Quickly rinse your eyes and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water.
- Summon emergency help.
Protective actions
Q: How can I prepare for a nuclear attack?
A: Take the following steps:
- Identify the best place to shelter.
- Keep emergency supplies in a specified place known to all family members.
- Keep important papers in a safe place.
- Keep your vehicle well maintained.
- Make a list of things you would take in an emergency.
- Take a first aid course.
Q: How can I keep my family safe after a nuclear incident?
A: It is important to plan for emergencies. Prepare for a disaster before one occurs.
- Know the types of incidents most likely to occur. Know what to do in each case.
- Know how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity in your home at the main switches. Keep the necessary tools nearby.
- Have a battery-operated radio on hand with extra batteries. Identify your Emergency Access System (EAS) radio or television station.
- Have fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them properly.
- Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit.
- Know first aid and CPR.
- Plan what to do in case of an evacuation.
- Pick two places for your family to meet if you are separated:
- A specific location, such as a tree or mailbox, right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency.
- A specific location outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
- Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Your selected contact should live far enough away that they would be unlikely to be directly affected by the same event as you. Let them know you have selected them as your contact.
- Make sure all family members know your contact's telephone numbers and/or e-mail address. Your children should have these numbers at school and the numbers should be at the workplace too. Family members should call this person and tell them where they are.
- Know your children's schools' emergency plans.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones. Teach your children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency medical services number.
- Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room in your home. Find the safe spots in your home.
- Practice and maintain your plan. Meet with neighbors to develop a neighborhood plan.
- Decide how to provide for your pets.
Evacuation
Q: What does it mean to evacuate? What should I do if I'm told to evacuate?
A: In an emergency, "to evacuate" means to leave, withdraw or depart from a place or area as a protective measure. Local, state or federal authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your protection when disaster threatens. When this decision is made they will issue an evacuation order. This order will tell you when you need to leave your home or area.
- Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio and television station when disaster threatens for detailed information and instruction.
- It is important to listen carefully to all instructions.
- Make sure the evacuation order applies to you.
- Find out if you need to evacuate immediately or if you have time to pack some essentials.
- Local government officials will designate evacuation assembly centers or other facilities offering the greatest level of public safety. The population will be instructed on where to go and the best routes to leave the area. Find out where you need to go and what route to take.
- Listen to your EAS station while driving to a shelter for updated information and instruction.
Q: If I'm told to evacuate, what should I do?
A: If you are told to evacuate immediately:
- Check on neighbors to make sure they have been notified, and offer help to those with disabilities or other special needs. If you need a ride, ask a neighbor. If no neighbor is available to help you, listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for further instructions.
- Locate and keep your disaster supplies kit with you. (See also workplace disaster supplies kit.) Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy shoes, hats, gloves and eyeglasses.
- Use travel routes specified by local authorities – don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
- Continue to listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction from local emergency officials.
You can do the following, only if you are sure you have extra time:
- Call your family contact to tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
- Provide for your pets. Pets are not permitted in public shelters.
- Gather a change of clothing for each family member, personal items such as toothbrushes and eyeglasses, and items for your baby such as formula and diapers.
- Shut off water and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so
- Lock your doors and windows.
Q: Are there any special precautions I should take while driving to the shelter?
A: Take the following precautions:
- Don't take shortcuts because a shortcut could put you in the path of danger. For your safety, follow the exact route you are told to take.
- Take only one car to the evacuation site.
- Close your car windows and air vents and turn off the heater or air conditioner.
- Continue to listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) station for updated information and instruction.
Q: If a terrorist attack occurs during the day my children will most likely be in school, how will I be able to take care of them?
A: In an emergency, your children may be sheltered in place or evacuated from school. Do not go to the school. School personnel are trained to handle emergencies.
- Do not call your child's school. You could tie up a phone line that is needed for emergency communications.
- For further information, listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station to learn when and where you can pick up your children.
- Check with your children's schools prior to an emergency to see what protective plans they have in place.
Q: Are there any bomb shelters I can go to if there is an emergency?
A: There is no official listing of bomb shelters or civil defense shelters for any community in Virginia. After 1970, most of the existing shelters were either closed or not replaced. There may be private shelters in office buildings, churches, schools or houses, but they are not listed. There are numerous guidelines available for building "safe rooms" traditionally used for protection against tornadoes and hurricanes.
These plans are available on the FEMA web site at www.fema.gov/mit/saferoom. Some books on the subject were also printed in the 1980s by FEMA and there are a number of plans available from private businesses and nonprofit groups. These can be accessed on the Internet using a search engine of your choice.
Q: I don't know of any evacuation procedure set up for my area. How can I find out if we have one?
A: Check with your local emergency management office.
Q: I'm in a wheelchair, I don't drive and I live alone. What should I do if we're told to evacuate?
A: Check with your local emergency management office to find out about special needs notification procedures.
Sheltering in place
Q: What does "shelter in place" mean?
A: "Shelter in place" means to stay indoors – in homes, schools, businesses or public buildings during an emergency incident. Sheltering in place may be used when there is little time to react to an incident – where it would be more dangerous to be outside attempting to evacuate than to remain where you are.
Q: How will I know when to shelter in place?
A: In the event of a major emergency, local authorities will notify you if you are to shelter in place. They will notify you by one of several methods:
- The order is usually announced over your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station.
- A siren could sound.
- You may be called by telephone.
- Emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker.
- Officials could even come to your door.
Prior to an emergency, you can check with your local emergency manager to find out what notification system your locality will use to alert citizens to an emergency.
Q: What should I do when I'm instructed to shelter in place?
A: When local officials instruct you to shelter in place, you should do the following:
- If you are indoors, stay inside.
- If you are outdoors, go inside immediately. If there are contaminants, you can provide a minimal amount of protection by covering your mouth and nose with a cloth. If you have to gather up family members protect your body as much as possible.
- Bring pets inside, if possible. But, do not risk your safety for your pets.
- Locate and keep your disaster supplies kit with you. Make sure your radio is working.
- Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
- Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.
- Go to an above ground room (not the basement, unless instructed to do so by local officials) with the fewest windows and doors. An interior room is the best. A bedroom with an adjoining bath is a good choice. Basement rooms should not be used during chemical emergencies. Basement rooms are the best choice during nuclear releases.
- Wet towels and jam them in the cracks under doors.
- If there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains. To avoid injury, stay away from the windows. Lie flat on the floor in a protected area and cover your eyes.
- Stay in the room and listen to your local Emergency Alert Systems (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction or until you are told all is safe.
Q: How will I know when I can leave the shelter?
A: Local authorities will determine when it is safe to leave your shelter or return home. Tune in to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for updates on the situation. You will be notified when it is safe to leave shelter or return home.
- If local emergency information is not available, postpone going outside the shelter as long as possible to reduce the radiation level you will be exposed to. Radiation levels will begin to decrease with time.
- If it becomes necessary to perform urgent missions outside of the shelter, take every precaution possible to protect the body from fallout particles. Wear outer clothing that can be removed and disposed of upon return to the shelter. Plan your route and minimize the time spent outside the shelter.
Awareness and notification
Q: If there is a nuclear explosion how will I know what to do?
A: Listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for the latest information and instruction.
Dial 911 or EMS numbers only if there is a life-threatening emergency.
Q: Will authorities notify me if nuclear weapons are used?
A: Yes, in the event of a public health emergency, local and state health departments will inform the public about the actions you need to take.
Q: How will I be notified if there is a radiological emergency?
A: In the event of a major emergency, authorities could get your attention in several ways:
- There will be announcements over your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station.
- A siren could sound, you may be called by telephone, emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker or officials could come to your door.
- Listen carefully to your EAS station.
Q: If I listen to the local EAS radio station what kind of information will I get about a nuclear attack?
A: Listen for information on:
- The type of health hazard.
- The area affected.
- How to protect yourself.
- Evacuation routes, if necessary.
- Shelter locations.
- Type and location of medical facilities.
- Phone numbers to call if extra help is needed.
Q: Before we lost power, they said to stay tuned to the local radio station. I don't have a battery-operated radio. How can I find out what's happening in my community?
A: If possible, find a neighbor with a radio, check your car radio or telephone your emergency management office. Do not leave a safe area, such as a shelter, to locate a radio.
Emergency supplies
Q: Should I stockpile food in case of a nuclear attack?
A: It helps to keep a supply of nonperishable food and water on hand.
Q: Can radioactive fallout contaminate my food?
A: Yes, if food sources are uncovered they could be contaminated by radioactive fallout. The public should heed official warnings to prevent this sort of exposure. In addition, state and local officials will conduct tests to determine if there are problems with local food, water or milk supplies. Take precautions to keep stored food from becoming contaminated by fallout particles. Keep food covered or in closed containers.
Q: Can I use food that wasn't protected following a nuclear attack?
A: Any food brought in from outside a shelter should be inspected for contamination and wiped off. Fruit and vegetables should be washed, if possible, and peeled or pared where applicable. Uncontaminated food should be used first following a nuclear attack. However, do not keep anyone from eating or drinking on the basis that supplies may be contaminated. The health risks associated with consuming contaminated food are preferable to starvation.
Q: I want to make sure I have a clean supply of water on hand, how can I do this?
A: Following a nuclear incident, public water supplies will generally be safe for use. However, if the public facility is physically damaged it may not be able to provide water. It helps to keep a supply of water on hand:
- Store 1 gallon of water per person per day – 2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation.
- Keep at least a three-day supply per person for drinking, food preparation and sanitation. A normally active person needs to drink at least 2 quarts of water daily. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that need. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
- Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
- Take every precaution to keep stored water from becoming contaminated by fallout particles. Any water brought into a shelter from the outside should be looked at for contamination. If contamination is visible or detected, wipe the outside of all containers.
- Uncontaminated water supplies should be used first. Thereafter, contaminated supplies should be used. Do not keep anyone from drinking on the basis that supplies may be contaminated. The remote health risks associated with consuming contaminated water are preferable to dehydration and its consequences.
Q: What is a disaster kit and what should be in it?
A: A disaster kit contains items that can help you endure an evacuation or home confinement. Six basics recommended for your disaster supplies kit are water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items. You may already have these items in your home or workplace. (See also workplace disaster supplies kit.)
- Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy to carry container such as a large covered trash container, a camping backpack or a duffle bag.
- Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.
- Keep a smaller version of the kit in the trunk of your car. Include a disaster survival kit for your pet.
Some items to include are:
- Water – Store a three-day supply. You will need enough for each person in your household. One gallon per day per person is recommended. Change stored water every six months.
- Food – Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, selecting foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. Remember special need foods for elderly, ill or baby. Change stored food every six months.
- First aid kit – Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. Include extra eyeglasses and prescription medicines.
- Survival tools – Include those items crucial to survival such as a dependable light source and a battery-operated radio. Include basic tools such as wrenches for turning off utilities. Tape the call letters and frequency numbers of your Emergency Alert System (EAS) station on the radio. Make sure everyone knows how to work the radio and put in fresh batteries. Include an emergency preparedness manual, flashlight and extra batteries and bulbs. Include garbage bags and masking tape for sealing air vents or doorways.
- Sanitation Supplies – toilet paper, Ziploc bags, garbage bags with seals, 5-gallon bucket with lid, feminine hygiene products, pre-moistened towelettes.
- Clothing and Bedding – Include at least one complete change of clothing and sturdy footwear per person. Include two blankets or one sleeping bag per person.
- Special Items – These are items for family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons. Include diapers and specific dietary care items. You might also want to add a few entertainment items such as games and books.
- Important documents – Keep important documents, cash, traveler's checks and a credit card in a waterproof portable container. Include an extra set of car keys.
Use by terrorists
Q: Is it easy for terrorists to get radioactive materials or weapons?
A: It is possible that a terrorist group with the proper credentials could acquire small amounts of radioactive materials since radioactive materials are used widely in industry and in healthcare professions. Once the materials are obtained it is quite easy for terrorists to make a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) or dirty bomb.
Terrorist groups can acquire assembled nuclear weapons through illegal sales or theft. However, officials consider it unlikely that a terrorist organization could detonate these weapons, as all Western and former Soviet nuclear weapons are protected by "Permissible Action Links" (PAL) or "fail safe" systems, to prevent unauthorized or accidental use.
It is possible for a terrorist group to fabricate an improvised nuclear weapon from components acquired on the black market.
Q: Have radiological weapons been used by terrorists before?
A: Yes, radiological dispersal devices were used as a threat in the 1990s by a Chechen separatist organization. The organization alerted authorities and the devices were located before detonation.
Community readiness
Q: Does every community have an adequate emergency response system geared for a terrorist attack? How quickly can they be implemented?
A: Emergency response systems vary based on each community's needs and resources. Some emergency system components can be implemented very quickly, while others may take longer.
Q: Are hospitals prepared to handle a sudden surge in demand for health care?
A: The preparedness level in hospitals depends on the agent used in an attack. Because a sudden surge in patients could overwhelm individual hospital resources, hospitals collaborate with other hospitals in their area to respond to terrorist attacks on a citywide or regional basis. Hospitals are also required to maintain disaster response plans and to practice applying them as part of their accreditation process. In an emergency, local medical care capacity will be supplemented with federal resources.
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