Radioactive contamination and radiation exposure can occur if radioactive materials are released into the environment as a result of an accident or event in nature. Exposure to radiation can affect the body in a number of ways, and the adverse health effects of exposure may not be apparent for many years. These can range from mild effects, such as skin reddening, to serious effects such as cancer. This depends on the amount of radiation absorbed by the body, the type of radiation, and how long the person was exposed.
In the Event of a Radiation Emergency
Should a radiation emergency occur near you, get inside, stay inside, and stay tuned for guidance from federal, state, and local emergency agencies.
In the case of an emergency incident, the community will be notified by the St. Mary’s County Government and St. Mary’s County Health Department via the CodeRED Emergency Notification System as well as through local news, radio, and social media outlets.
Get Inside
In a radiation emergency you may be asked to shelter-in-place, which means staying inside a structure such as your home or place of business and limiting the ways in which outside air can enter the structure. The walls of your home can block much of the harmful radiation.
- Where to go in a Radiation Emergency:
- Close and lock all windows and doors
- Go to the basement or the middle of the building – stay as far away from the walls and roof of the building as you can
- If possible, turn off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heating units that bring air in from the outside – close fireplace dampers
- Bring pets inside
- If you are in a car, get to the closest brick or concrete building or basement
Stay Inside
Because radioactive materials become weaker over time, staying inside for at least 24 hours can protect you and your family until it is safe to leave the area. Stay inside until authorities say it’s safe to do otherwise. Once you get into a building, there are things you can do to stay safe inside, including:
- Take a shower (with only soap and shampoo, no conditioner) or wipe exposed parts of your body with a damp cloth
- Clean and cover any wounds
- Cover food and put any uncovered food in the refrigerator – anything in sealed containers will be safe to eat or drink. Well water is safe unless informed otherwise
Stay Tuned
Emergency response officials will be providing ongoing updates and life-saving information. Continue to check for updates and instructions from officials on available channels, such as television, radio, social media, and government web pages.
Decontamination
Decontamination is the reduction or removal of radioactive material from a person, object, or structure. Emergency responders or local officials will let you know if you need to decontaminate your home.
Self-Decontamination
It is important to get radioactive material off your body as soon as possible to lower your risk of harm in a process called self-decontamination.
- Find something to cover your mouth and nose (i.e scarf or other cloth) and be sure the area is ventilated and your mouth and nose are covered while decontaminating
- Take off your outer layer of clothing and put clothing in a plastic bag or sealable container
- Wash yourself off
- Put on clean clothes
- Help others and pets – wear waterproof gloves and a mask if you can
Evacuation Plan
You may need to leave your home or area (evacuate) or go to an emergency shelter. Stay inside where you are until an evacuation order is given. Stay tuned until officials tell you that your area is evacuating. Check for updates on evacuation routes, temporary shelters, and procedures to follow from officials on available channels, such as television, radio, social media, and government web pages.
- Turn off the air conditioner, heater, or ventilation system to your house and close and lock all windows and doors before you leave, if you have time
- If evacuating by personal vehicle, keep windows closed and heat/air conditioning off
- Take disaster supplies with you, if possible, including:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery operated radios
- First aid kits
- Food and water
- Essential medication
- Credit cards
- Sturdy shoes