The risk of a Russian terrorist attack on the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP remains high. In the event of a radiation accident, detailed instructions will be disseminated through the information channels of the State Emergency Service and local authorities. The most important thing is to stay indoors or enter it urgently if you are outside. The Lviv City Council’s Department for Emergency Situations, Civil Protection and Territorial Defense reminds us of this.
Go into a basement or other room, because radioactive material settles on the outside of buildings. If possible, stay in the room, close the windows and doors, seal the openings with improvised means (tape, wet cloth) and turn off the ventilation systems (air conditioners or heaters) in the house. Stay sheltered until instructed otherwise by official authorities.
Follow the official sources of information
Use messages from rescuers (EMS), police, local authorities, turn on the television, radio, follow official information channels. It is also advisable to subscribe to such channels in Telegram or Facebook.
Disinfect yourself
Remove your outer clothing and you will get rid of up to 90% of the radioactive material, but be very careful not to shake up the radioactive dust. Place the clothing in a plastic bag or airtight container, and keep it away from people and pets. Take a shower with soap, wash your head with shampoo. 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, especially wipe hands and face, eyelids, eyelashes, ears. Put on clean clothes. Help your family and friends. If possible, wear a protective mask or respirator.
Take care of water and food safety
Only bottled water will be considered safe (not contaminated) until rescuers or authorities report that tap water is safe. Boiling tap water does not rid it of radioactive substances. 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 or well water can be used to wash yourself and food and water packs. Products are safe if stored in airtight containers (cans, cans, bottles, boxes, etc.). Food from the refrigerator and freezer is also safe.
Do not take potassium iodide on your own
Potassium iodide does not protect people from radiation, but only protects the thyroid gland from exposure to radioactive iodine. It is unacceptable to take it in advance unnecessarily.