Nuclear emergency: what to have and what to do

Official advice for a nuclear or radiological incident is short: get inside, stay inside, stay tuned. Iodine tablets protect only the thyroid, and only when taken on instruction from the authorities.

Before it happens

• Know which room is most central in your home, away from windows.
• Keep a radio that works without mains power.
• Keep iodine tablets only if recommended for your area, and take them only when told to.

When it happens

• Get inside the nearest solid building and go to the basement or the middle of the building, away from outer walls and the roof. Brick and concrete give the most protection.
• Stay inside for at least 24 hours unless the authorities tell you otherwise. Close windows and doors, switch off ventilation, and bring pets in.
• If you were outside: take off your outer layer of clothing and put it in a sealed bag. This removes most of the contamination. Shower, or wipe exposed skin and hair, using shampoo but no conditioner.
• Stay tuned to radio, TV or official alerts for when it is safe to leave, and whether to take iodine.

Afterwards

• Food and water in sealed containers, or inside the fridge and cupboards, are safe to use.
• Follow official instructions on when to go outside, and don’t go to the area to help or look.

The kit

Start with the L1 kit (72 hours). For this hazard, these items matter most:

• Iodine tablets (potassium iodide)
• Plastic sheeting

Sources: Ready.gov (FEMA), CDC. Last reviewed: October 2026.