If fallout has arrived before reaching shelter, cover as much of the body as possible to keep particles from depositing on the skin. This should include, as a minimum, long sleeves, hat, and gloves.

If adequate clothing is not available or time not sufficient, make use of any available material such as newspaper to cover the head. Placing hands in the pockets helps keep them as fallout free as possible. Remember that fallout particles that remain on the skin for several hours may cause skin burns.

It is unlikely that enough fallout particles could be inhaled into the lungs to cause significant harm. However, if it is very dusty, a folded cloth over the nose and mouth may act as a filter. This can prevent some ingestion or inhalation of the fallout particles.