What should I do immediately during a radiation emergency?

In the event of a radiation emergency, an immediate and calm response is the foundation for survival. The golden rule is: "Get inside, stay inside, and stay tuned." Initial protection relies on minimizing exposure time to radioactive materials that may settle as dust or sand on exterior surfaces. Buildings with sturdy walls provide significant protection, so your first goal should be to get indoors and stay away from external walls and roofs [1]. Remaining in a safe place for at least 24 hours contributes significantly to your protection until accurate information is provided by relevant authorities, as radioactive materials lose their strength over time [1].

Rapid Shelter Strategy

If you are outdoors, enter the nearest building immediately. Remember that vehicles do not provide adequate protection from radioactive materials, so reaching a concrete or multi-story building is a top priority. Once inside, move to the middle floor or basement, and stay as far away as possible from exterior walls and roofs where radioactive materials usually concentrate [1]. If you cannot reach the inside immediately, cover your nose and mouth with any mask, piece of cloth, or towel to reduce the inhalation of airborne materials [1]. Do not try to leave your location to pick up family members from schools or workplaces; public institutions have pre-existing emergency plans to protect those inside, and going outside during an emergency may expose you to dangerous radiation levels [1].

Personal Decontamination Procedures

If you were exposed while outdoors during the incident, self-decontamination reduces the risk of internal or external contamination. The most effective step is to remove the outer layer of clothing immediately upon entering; this action alone can remove up to 90% of the radioactive material adhering to you [1]. After removing your clothing, gently wash your body and hair with soap and water, while covering any cuts or abrasions to prevent radioactive materials from entering them [4]. Put on clean clothing [1]. If you have pets that were outside, wash them carefully using shampoo and water, taking care to wear gloves and a protective mask, and covering any wounds the animal or you may have [1].

Food, Water, and Communication Safety

Bottled water is the safest source for consumption during emergencies; boiling tap water does not remove radioactive materials, so it should be avoided until authorities confirm the safety of water sources [1]. As for food, items kept in sealed containers (such as canned goods and bottles) or food kept inside the refrigerator are considered safe for consumption [1]. Technically, communication networks may be affected, so it is preferable to rely on SMS text messages rather than phone calls, and use a battery-powered radio to follow emergency directives [1]. For more detailed information on advanced preventive steps, please review the Radiation Emergency Survival and Prevention Guide (Arabic).

When to Seek Medical Care

Symptoms may not appear immediately upon exposure to small doses of radiation. However, exposure to high doses may lead to the appearance of symptoms of what is known as "Acute Radiation Syndrome" (ARS), which includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headaches [1]. If these symptoms appear, you should seek medical care, but only after official authorities declare that it is safe to leave shelters, as medical treatment in these cases focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the body's vital functions [1].

Medical references

• Frequently Asked Questions about Radiation Emergencies
• How to Self-Decontaminate after a Radiation Emergency | Radiation Emergencies | CDC