When fallout particles are seen on clothing, brush them off. It is a good idea to minimize the amount of fallout transported into the shelter. Remember, radioactive fallout on a surface does not make the surface itself radioactive. The particles themselves are radioactive, not the surface with which they come in contact. The surface can usually be cleaned of any contamination.

The primary objective at this point is survival. If it becomes necessary to take shelter, the outside exposure rate will be much greater than any fallout an individual could track into a shelter. Do not delay entry into a shelter for the purpose of removing contamination completely from clothing.

Once inside shelter, remove your outer layer of clothing to remove contamination and radiation materials from your body. Take a shower or wash with soap and water to remove contamination from any skin or hair that was not covered. If you cannot wash or shower, use a wipe or clean wet cloth to wipe any skin or hair that was not covered.

Clean any pets that were outside after the fallout arrived. Gently brush your pet’s coat to remove any fallout particles and wash your pet with soap and water, if available.

It is safe to eat or drink packaged food items or items that were inside a building. Do not consume food or liquids that were outdoors uncovered and may be contaminated by fallout.

If you are sick or injured, listen for instructions on how and where to get medical attention when authorities tell you it is safe to exit.