Expert Guidance: Preparing for Radiation Emergencies

Before you can take steps to reduce exposure, you must recognize that an incident has taken place. That’s why it’s critical to closely monitor government broadcasts, emergency apps, and trusted partners for real-time alerts and accurate updates. Because misinformation can move faster than facts during a crisis, a dedicated risk intelligence platform like Crisis24 Horizon is invaluable for delivering verified, actionable guidance.  

Radiation can’t be seen, smelled, or felt, and emergencies often unfold quietly. The harmful physical effects often don’t appear right away, so it’s crucial to monitor for symptoms. Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) can develop within hours and cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and overwhelming fatigue. Cutaneous Radiation Injury (CRI) may appear later, showing as redness, swelling, or blistering of the skin.  

The steps you take in the first minutes and hours of a radiation emergency can dramatically reduce your exposure and/or physical impacts.   

1. Get Inside and Stay Inside  

Your best protection is distance and shielding.  

• Shelter in a sturdy building, ideally one made of brick or concrete. If possible, go to a basement or interior room. Stay away from windows, doors, and outer walls.  
• Shut off HVAC systems that pull in outside air to avoid drawing in radioactive particles.  

2. Self-Decontaminate and Look for Symptoms of Exposure  

If you were outdoors during the event, you may have radioactive material on your body or clothing.  

• Remove and seal outer clothing in a plastic bag to eliminate up to 90% of radioactive material.  
• Shower thoroughly using soap and water. Clean face, hands, and open wounds carefully.  

3. Stay Informed  

Don’t rely on hearsay; accurate information is critical.  

• Continue to monitor government broadcasts, emergency apps and real-time information and accurate updates from trusted partners like Crisis24.  
• Use radios, emergency alerts, and verified sources for real-time updates.  
• Use text messaging instead of phone calls to avoid overloading networks.  

• Travelers (business and leisure) should register with their embassy before or upon arrival in a foreign country to ensure consular staff have reliable emergency contact information.  

   

4. Safeguard Your Food and Water  

Radiation can contaminate food and water sources.  

• Eat only food stored indoors in sealed containers.  
• Avoid drinking water from outdoor or unverified sources unless cleared by authorities.  

5. Evacuate Only if Directed  

Sheltering in place is often the safest course of action.  

• Wait for instructions from local authorities.  
• Do not self-evacuate; this can increase exposure or hamper emergency operations.  

6. Safeguard mental health  

Radiation incidents can take a toll beyond the physical.  

• Watch for early signs of distress. Anxiety, depression, and even symptoms of PTSD are common after exposure to such high-stakes situations.  
• Arrange for counseling or seek other support services to prevent stress from hardening into long-term trauma.  

7. Seek emergency medical support and treatments if exposed.  

If you think you’ve been exposed to radiation, medical evaluation is critical.  

• Continue to monitor for symptoms of radiation exposure, including ARS and CRI.  
• If exposure is suspected, seeking early treatment can make a major difference in reducing the impact on your health. There are several treatments that medical professionals may use, depending on the situation:  
• Potassium Iodide (KI): Helps protect the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine, which can be a serious risk during certain types of radiation exposure.  
• Prussian Blue or DTPA: Binds radioactive particles inside the body and help remove them more quickly.  
• Filgrastim (Neupogen): Supports bone marrow recovery after radiation damage. It’s approved for use under medical supervision, including in children and pregnant women.  

The infrequency of a threat like radiation exposure does not diminish the importance of preparation. Crisis24 provides global expertise and real-time intelligence to help you navigate radiation threats effectively—anywhere in the world. Our medical and security specialists stand ready to guide your preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.