Preparing for a radio-nuclear emergency
This guidance provides essential information and guidance for individuals and families in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to prepare for a radio-nuclear emergency. While the likelihood of such an event is low, preparedness is crucial. We've designed this guide using clear, actionable and easy-to-understand language to empower you to protect yourselves and your families. It explains what to do during a radiation emergency, how to shelter in place, evacuate safely and self-decontaminate. It also covers food and water safety, communication strategies, how to help others and important mental health considerations.
This guidance uses established risk communication principles – simple language, clear instructions, action-oriented messages and positive framing – to give you the information you need to respond effectively during a crisis. By being prepared and informed, you can respond confidently should a radio-nuclear emergency occur.
What to do in a radiation emergency
A nuclear power plant accident, a nuclear explosion or a dirty bomb can release harmful radiation. If this happens, get inside a building quickly, stay inside for at least 24 hours and stay tuned to official news for instructions. Your home's walls can block much of the harmful radiation, and since radioactive materials weaken over time, sheltering in place is often the safest course of action.
If you are indoors
Stay inside. Close and lock all windows and doors. Go to the basement or the middle of the building, away from the outer walls and roof. Turn off ventilation systems that bring in outside air, including fans and air conditioners, and close fireplace dampers. This protects you from radiation settling on the outside of buildings.
Do not go outside to retrieve loved ones from schools, daycare, hospitals or other locations. These facilities have emergency plans to keep children and staff safe. Going outside would expose both you and them to dangerous radiation levels. Wait for official instructions on when it is safe to reunite.
If you are outdoors or in a vehicle
Get inside immediately. Vehicles offer minimal protection from radiation. A multi-storey brick or concrete building is best, but any building is better than being outside. If you can reach a sturdy multi-storey building or basement within a few minutes, go there. Once inside, move to the basement or middle of the building, away from the outer walls and roof, to minimize exposure. Radioactive material settles on the outside of buildings.
Decontaminate. If possible, carefully remove your outer layer of clothing before entering the building. Radioactive material can settle on your clothing and body like dust or mud. Seal these clothes in a plastic bag and place the bag away from people and pets. Once inside, wash any exposed skin with soap and water. If you don’t have access to clean clothes, shake or brush off your clothes, covering your nose and mouth, and put them back on. This will help limit your radiation exposure and prevent spreading radioactive material. If you can't get inside immediately, cover your mouth and nose with a mask, cloth or towel to reduce inhaling radioactive material.
Sheltering in place
Stay put. In a radiation emergency, like a nuclear power plant accident or a dirty bomb explosion, you may be asked to "shelter in place". This means staying home and sealing off the house rather than evacuating. Because radioactive materials weaken quickly and your home's walls can block much of the harmful radiation, this protects you from short-term exposure.
Prepare your shelter. If you are outside when the alert is given, get inside a stable building quickly. Before entering your shelter area, remove and seal outer layers of clothing, shoes and accessories in a plastic bag and place the bag away from people and pets to avoid bringing in radioactive material. This can eliminate up to 90% of contamination, significantly reducing your exposure and risk of injury from radiation. Shower and wash all exposed skin with soap and water. If very cold, remove at least your outermost layer before entering, seal it in a plastic bag and place the bag away from people and pets, then shower. Seal windows, doors and vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape only if a radiation plume is passing, and ventilate shortly after to prevent suffocation. Turn off ventilation systems (fans, air conditioners), close and lock all windows and doors.
Food and water safety. Eat food from sealed containers (cans, bottles, boxes, etc.) or unspoiled food from your refrigerator or freezer. Food stored in a pantry or drawer away from radioactive material is also safe. Before opening food containers, wipe them with a damp cloth or clean towel, then seal the used cloth in a bag and dispose of it safely. Wipe down counters, plates, pots and utensils before use. Do not eat garden produce until officials say it's safe. For drinking water, bottled water is the safest option until officials deem tap water safe. Boiling tap water does not remove radioactive material. Water from sealed containers (including those in your refrigerator/freezer), toilet tanks or water heaters is also safe. While tap or well water may be contaminated, it is safe for cleaning yourself and food preparation as any radioactive material will be diluted to safe levels.
Stay tuned
Keep your radio and any other communication devices tuned to official emergency channels for updates and instructions. Use multiple communication methods (radio, text messages) if possible. Phone calls may be difficult, so prioritize text messages (SMS). In a nuclear explosion, an electromagnetic pulse could damage electronic devices. If your battery-powered device isn't working, try removing and reinserting the batteries and restarting it.
Evacuation
Wait for official instructions. Do not evacuate until officials give the order. Each situation is different and they will consider factors like wind, radiation levels, road safety and the extent of the disaster before advising evacuation. They will tell you when and where to go and the safest route. Follow their instructions quickly and carefully. You may be instructed to go to an emergency shelter or a community reception centre. Radiation levels decrease over time, so stay put until ordered to evacuate.
Emergency shelters
If evacuating to a shelter, local authorities will guide you. They will tell you when and where to go, and the safest route. Shelters will be located away from areas with high levels of radiation and will provide basic necessities like water, food, essential medicines and sanitary facilities. Bring essential medications and prescriptions, important documents, a change of clothes, an emergency supply kit, and any other supplies recommended by officials. Emergency shelters can involve living with many people in a confined space, so try to deal with the emergency calmly and confidently to help children cope. Do not return home until authorities declare it safe. Returning before puts you and your family at risk and hinders emergency responders.
Helping others
If you are in the affected area, follow official instructions. Stay inside unless told otherwise, to protect yourself and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Avoid hospitals and emergency service buildings unless critically injured. Use text messaging to keep phone lines open for critical needs. If you shelter someone, have them decontaminate by removing outer clothing, washing exposed skin and putting on clean clothes.
If you are outside the affected area, stay tuned for official instructions on how to provide support. Do not travel to the affected area.
Self-decontamination
It's important to remove radioactive material from your body quickly. Decontaminating yourself lowers your exposure and risk of harm. Even if tap water is contaminated, it's safe for decontamination (but not for drinking) because radioactive material is diluted to very low, safe levels in surface and groundwater sources. Do not drink tap water if it's contaminated.
Remove your outer layer of clothing carefully, avoiding spreading radioactive dust. This can remove up to 90% of contamination. Seal these clothes in a plastic bag and place the bag away from people and pets.
Wash all exposed skin with soap and water. If a shower is available, take a warm shower and wash gently, avoiding scrubbing or scratching your skin. Your skin protects your body from radioactive material. Wash your hair with shampoo or soap but not conditioner which will bind radioactive material to your hair. Cover any cuts or abrasions to prevent radioactive material from entering. If a shower isn’t available, wash your hands, face and any exposed skin at a sink with soap and plenty of water. If you don't have access to running water, use moist wipes, a clean wet cloth or a damp paper towel, paying special attention to your hands, face, eyelids, eyelashes and ears. Put used wipes or cloth in a sealed plastic bag and place the bag away from people and pets.
Put on clean clothes. If clean clothes aren't available, carefully shake or brush off your outer layer of clothing (covering your nose and mouth) before putting it back on. Remember: keep cuts and abrasions covered when handling potentially contaminated clothing. Well water is safe for decontamination and washing clothes. If helping others wash, wash yourself thoroughly first and wear waterproof gloves and a dust mask if possible. Cover any cuts on yourself and the person you're helping. Wash your hands and face afterward.
Mental health
Radiation emergencies can be incredibly stressful. The complex and unfamiliar nature of radiation, environmental and socioeconomic impacts, health risk uncertainty, social stigma, inconsistent media coverage and misconceptions can intensify emotional distress (fear, anxiety, anger) and increase the risk of psychosocial outcomes such as substance abuse, domestic violence, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For your mental and emotional well-being, remember that mental health and psychosocial support services are a crucial part of the overall health response to radiation emergencies. Seek these services if you need them.
Protective actions (sheltering in place, evacuating, relocating) can also take a toll on your mental well-being. Be prepared for potential separation from family, limited access to supplies and information, confinement and uncertainty – these can trigger strong emotional responses. Understand that these actions are for your safety. If sheltering, expect confinement and uncertainty to heighten stress. If evacuating, prepare for the emotional difficulty of leaving belongings and pets behind. Know that authorities aim to keep families and communities together. Look for opportunities to connect with others in such challenging times.
Decontamination, if required, can also be a stressful experience. You might feel frightened, uncertain and uncomfortable or embarrassed. Trust that authorities prioritize your health and safety, and that any necessary procedures involving personal belongings or undressing are handled quickly, discreetly and safely. Panic is rare in these situations. Stay calm, follow instructions and ask questions if needed. If you have cultural or religious concerns, raise them with health care providers or community leaders.
Actively monitor your mental and physical well-being during and after a radiation emergency, as the potential long-term effects and the recovery process can be challenging. Don't hesitate to seek support for yourself and your loved ones if you need it.
