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For people exposed to radioactive material released during a radiation incident
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.
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.
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:
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Mon & Thurs: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tues, Wed, & Fri: 7:00 am – 4:30 pm
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