What can I do to prepare for a radiological emergency?
As with any emergency, it is important to have a plan in place so that you and your family will know how to respond in the event of an actual emergency. Take the following steps now to prepare yourself and your family:
- Protect Yourself: Should a radiological emergency occur, go inside, stay inside and stay tuned. Repeat this message to your family during non-emergency times so they will know what to do should a radiological emergency occur.
- Make a Family Emergency Communication Plan: Share your family communication plan and practice it so that your family will know how to respond should a radiological emergency occur. For more information on creating a plan, including templates, visit Make A Plan at FEMA.gov.
- Put Together an Emergency Supply Kit: This kit could be used in any emergency and may include nonperishable food items, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, water, flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate. For more information on what supplies to include, visit Basic Disaster Supplies Kit at FEMA.gov
- Become Familiar with the Plan for Radiological Emergencies in your Community: Check with your local officials, your child’s school, your place of employment and others to see how they are prepared to respond to a radiological emergency.
- Become Familiar with Public Alert and Notification Systems: These systems will be used to alert the public if a radiological incident occurs. Many communities have text or email alert systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet for your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”
- Determine Credible Sources of Information: Determine credible sources of information now and return to those sources in the event of an emergency for messages and instructions. Unfortunately, we know from past disasters and emergencies that small numbers of individuals may take the opportunity to distribute false information.
For more information about protecting yourself and your family in the event of a radiological emergency, visit Radiological Emergency Response.
For more information on how to prepare, plan, and stay informed, visit Ready.
Return to Frequent Questions about Radiation Protection.