The Ministry of Health has prepared an algorithm of actions in case of radiation danger, the most important point of which is staying in shelter.
This is the safest action, which should definitely be performed, reports Ministry of Health.
The article emphasized that nuclear-strategic facilities are built in such a way as to withstand significant physical damage.
"Considering the fact that the terrorist country does not observe any laws and rules of warfare, every Ukrainian should know the basic rules of behavior in the event of an emergency of any nature," the Ministry of Health said.
- Stay in shelter
It is worth hiding in the basement or the middle of the building, because radioactive material settles on the outside of buildings, so it is best to stay as far away from walls and roofs as possible. And also keep pets nearby and do not let them outside.
If possible, stay in a room without windows or exterior doors, close windows and doors, seal openings with improvised means (tape, wet cloth, etc.) and turn off ventilation systems (air conditioners or heaters). It is necessary to remain in the shelter until the official authorities have given other instructions.
- Follow official sources of information
Use messages from rescuers (Emergency Services), the police, and local authorities. Turn on the television, radio, follow the official channels of local authorities, in particular on Telegram or Facebook.
The instructions of the authorities and rescuers must be followed.
- Disinfect yourself
The removed upper layer of clothing will remove up to 90% of radioactive material. It is necessary to do this carefully so as not to shake the radioactive dust. Removed clothing should be placed in a plastic bag or sealed container and kept away from people and pets.
- Wash if possible
You should take a shower with soap and wash your hair with shampoo. Do not use hair conditioners as this can fix the radioactive material to the hair.
Do not rub or scratch the skin to prevent radioactive material from entering open wounds. If you cannot take a shower, wash your hands, face and exposed body parts with soap under running water.
If there is no access to water, use wet wipes, a wet cloth. Pay special attention to hands and face, wipe eyelids, eyelashes, ears.
- Put on clean clothes
Help your relatives and friends to do all the points listed above. If possible, do it in gloves and a mask or respirator.
Water and food safety
Until rescuers or the authorities report on the safety of tap water, only bottled water will remain uncontaminated, as the packaging protects the liquid inside from radioactive substances.
Boiling tap water does not remove radioactive substances.
“Have a supply of water in bottles or other airtight containers. Drinks in the refrigerator are also safe for consumption. Water in other containers in your home, such as the toilet or water heater, will not contain radioactive substances. Tap water or well water can be used to wash yourself, as well as food and water packages," the Ministry of Health said.
Even if tap water is contaminated, you can still use it for disinfection. Any radioactive material that enters surface or groundwater will be diluted with water to a very low level and will be safe to wash off skin, hair and clothing.
By analogy with water, food products are safe if stored in airtight containers (cans, bottles, boxes, etc.). Food from the refrigerator and freezer is also safe.
Wipe food containers with a damp cloth or clean towel before opening. Do the same with kitchen utensils before use. Put the used cloth or towel in a plastic bag or airtight container and leave it in an inaccessible place, away from people and animals.
When should you take potassium iodide?
Potassium iodide is a salt similar to table salt. In pharmacies, it is most often sold in the form of tablets. If it is taken on time and in the specified dosage, potassium iodide blocks the absorption of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland. This reduces the risk of developing thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases.
It does not protect people from radiation, but only protects the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine. That is, it is possible to protect yourself only if you follow three basic rules – stay in shelter, follow official information and follow the instructions of the authorities.
Potassium iodide should only be taken if you have been instructed to do so by the authorities or the Emergency Department. It is unacceptable to take potassium iodide for prevention unnecessarily, because it can harm your health.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that iodine prophylaxis is carried out once. That is, the use of iodine now does not make any sense.
Earlier, EcoPolitic wrote, that in the case of a hypothetical accident at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which was seized by the russian occupying forces, a nuclear cloud will move towards the border of russia.
As EcoPolitic previously reported, experts have prepared an explanation about how to act in case of chemical danger.
