Surviving A Dirty Bomb Blast

In this day and age, we need to be prepared for all sorts of possible threats – including dirty bombs. Dirty bombs are explosive devices packed with radioactive materials created to produce an explosion that spreads radiation. Where the bomb explodes is not the only area affected – winds may carry the radioactive materials aloft. A dirty bomb is not a nuclear bomb, like the ones that were dropped on Hiroshima or Nagasaki – those bombs used nuclear fission and created a large blast. A dirty bomb is much smaller, but it can still do a lot of damage. The contamination left behind from a dirty bomb may render an area unusable for a long period of time. If you find yourself near the site of a dirty bomb blast, try to stay away from the radioactive particles. If you are outside, immediately cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth if you can find one – if not, use your hands. Look for a building that is not damaged and seek refuge there. Once inside, stay away from windows and doors and don’t walk around (you may be spreading more particles). If you are inside and there is an explosion near you, go outside, cover your mouth and nose, and look for a safe building. If you are in your home, turn off all ventilation systems and seal any ducts to the outside. Remove your outer clothes as soon as possible, put them in a sealed container, and then wash the parts of your body that were exposed (the water should be lukewarm and you must wash gently because you may cause bleeding). Until further notice, stay where you are and wait for further information and instructions. Even if you are not in the immediate area of a blast, it is still safe to follow these rules until the officials are able to ascertain the extent of the radioactive area. Search the Internet for more information, and after reviewing it, discuss what should be done with your family. Unfortunately, we live in dangerous times, but being prepared can help minimize the damage caused by a dirty bomb – and being prepared is half the battle.