overnments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations are considering the best ways to respond to a radiological terrorist attack. They are taking steps to ready their societies on how to respond to such an attack. The U.S. government has in place the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan (FRERP), whose mission includes assigning duties to relevant government agencies and determining appropriate methods of response to nuclear terrorism or a radiological emergency. Before a nuclear power plant can receive a license to operate from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), it must show that it is adequately prepared to respond to a radiation accident or emergency. These preparations include having an emergency alert system, evacuation routes, monitoring centers, temporary lodging facilities, and other measures.

In addition, the United States has held several simulations of terrorist attacks in cities such as Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Chicago. These mock attacks have involved the threat of use of unconventional weapons, such as a dirty bomb or a biological weapon. Similar to the mock attacks on nuclear facilities, these simulations allow the national and local governments to learn where improvements might be needed. For example, clear communication lines and clear division of duties between government agencies and emergency responders must be determined. Providing accurate information to the public without causing unnecessary panic is another important responsibility.

Each year, the government is required to advise communities located near nuclear facilities on proper responses to a nuclear emergency. To prepare the broader public, government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have published booklets describing the threat of radiological accidents or attacks. These booklets give advice on what to do in these emergency situations. Non-governmental organizations have also increased the number and availability of educational materials available on the Internet, such as booklets and this tutorial that you are now reading.

In the international arena, more countries are joining the Convention on Assistance in the Case of Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency. Governments and international experts are exchanging training, information, and ideas on short-term and long-term responses to radiological terrorism. Governments are also looking at ways to improve decontamination methods in the case of a radiological incident.

If you live near a nuclear facility, familiarize yourself with your local government's emergency plans and emergency information materials. Attend information sessions in your community on emergency responses. Be aware of your community's emergency alert system.

In the event of a dirty bomb attack, try to avoid the impulse to panic. The three most important principles to remember are shielding, time, and distance, in this order. Minimize exposure to the radiation source by keeping some sort of shielding between you and the source, e.g., by sheltering inside a building. Minimize the time spent near the radiation source. And maximize the distance between you and the radiation source.

Shielding, time, and distance are the keys to protecting yourself in the event of a radiological attack.

 

The backgrounder on Understanding Nuclear Terrorism, published by Stanford University's Center for International Security Cooperation, includes the following guidance:

The first step to take is to get inside (or stay inside), [and] listen to the radio or television for further information. Follow a "shelter-in-place" plan, which includes turning off fans, air conditioners, and force-air heating units that bring in fresh air from the outside. Use these systems only to recirculate the air already in the building. If you are outside, get into a building as soon as possible in order to reduce the amount of dust that gets on you.

If you are close to the explosion and covered in residue, do not stray far from the site. First responders will decontaminate those closer to the event more quickly than those fleeing. Even if it takes some time for authorities to respond, you are more likely to receive better treatment from the first response teams than at the hospital. If you are able to identify the source of the radiation and wind direction, however, you should keep as much distance as possible between yourself and the source, and try to stay upwind from the source. In the case of dirty bombs, keep in mind that if you are far enough away to survive the initial explosion, the amounts of radiation will most likely be so low that a few hours of exposure will not be enough to harm you.

If you are covered with residue, do not get into your car, do not take mass transit, and do not go home. You are likely to contaminate your car and spread radiation to your family. Traffic controls may be implemented to enable emergency vehicles to get to the scene of the bombing, so avoid driving.

Radioactive dust can be washed off the skin, and potentially contaminated clothing should be put in plastic bags, placed in a separate area, and turned in to authorities for proper disposal. If you are outside of your home and potentially exposed to the dust from the blast, take off your shoes and outer layers of clothing indoors. Use a hose to rinse off your underclothes and body before going indoors to reduce the chance of contaminating the inside of your home.

Signs of radiation poisoning include nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; blistering; fatigue; dehydration; swelling; hair loss; secreting blood in vomit, stool, or through the nose, mouth, gums, or rectum; and sloughing of the skin. If you were in the vicinity of a dirty bomb attack or suspect that you have been exposed to radiation, and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your local hospital. Keep in mind, though, that the typical dirty bomb attack would not result in such high doses of radiation exposure. Low doses would be the norm and could raise the risk of developing cancer several years or decades after an attack.