To inform citizens in case
of terrorist activity, Homeland Security Department Secretary Tom Ridge
has issued a series of information bulletins through a new Web site
located at http://www.ready.gov.
Land Line will share
the information with readers in the following weeks. Today's installment:
What to do if there's an explosion or nuclear attack.
If there is an explosion:
Take shelter against your desk or
a sturdy table.
- Exit the building ASAP.
- Do not use elevators.
- Check for fire and other hazards.
- Take your emergency supply kit if
time allows.
If there is a fire:
- Exit the building ASAP.
- Crawl low if there is smoke
- Use a wet cloth, if possible, to
cover your nose and mouth.
- Use the back of your hand to feel
the upper, lower and middle parts of closed doors.
- If the door is not hot, brace yourself
against it and open slowly.
- If the door is hot, do not open it.
Look for another way out.
- Do not use elevators
- If you catch fire, do not run. Stop,
drop and roll to put out the fire.
- If you are at home, go to a previously
designated meeting place.
- Account for your family members and
carefully supervise small children.
- Never go back into a burning building.
If you are trapped in debris:
- If possible, use a flashlight to
signal your location to rescuers.
- Avoid unnecessary movement so that
you don't kick up dust.
- Cover your nose and mouth with anything
you have on hand. (Dense-weave cotton material can act as a good
filter. Try to breathe through the material.)
- Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers
can hear where you are.
- If possible, use a whistle to signal
rescuers.
- Shout only as a last resort. Shouting
can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
A nuclear blast
A nuclear blast is an explosion
with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and widespread
radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground
surfaces for miles around. While experts predict a nuclear attack is
less likely than other types, terrorism by its nature is unpredictable.
If there is a nuclear blast:
- Take cover immediately, below ground
if possible, though any shield or shelter will help protect you
from the immediate effects of the blast and the pressure wave.
- Quickly assess the situation.
- Consider if you can get out of the
area or if it would be better to go inside a building and follow
your plan to "shelter-in-place."
In order to limit the amount of radiation
you are exposed to, think about shielding, distance and time.
- Shielding: If you have a thick shield
between yourself and the radioactive materials more of the radiation
will be absorbed, and you will be exposed to less.
- Distance: The farther away you are
from the blast and the fallout, the lower your exposure.
- Time: Minimizing time spent exposed
will also reduce your risk.
Use available information to assess the
situation. If there is a significant radiation threat, health care authorities
may or may not advise you to take potassium iodide. Potassium iodide
is the same stuff added to your table salt to make it iodized. It may
or may not protect your thyroid gland, which is particularly vulnerable,
from radioactive iodine exposure. Consider keeping potassium iodide
in your emergency kit and learn what the appropriate doses are for each
of your family members. Plan to speak with your health care provider
in advance about what makes sense for your family.