disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...
disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...
disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...
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So how do I protect myself <strong>and</strong> my family<br />
Some communities provide 2 types of shelters for local citizens, but not all<br />
cities have them plus you may not be able to get to one during a crisis.<br />
Contact your local office of emergency management <strong>and</strong> ask if they have:<br />
• blast shelter - specifically construct<strong>ed</strong> to offer some protection<br />
against blast pressure, initial radiation, heat, <strong>and</strong><br />
fire (but realize it can’t take a direct hit from a nuke)<br />
• fallout shelter - can be any protect<strong>ed</strong> space that has walls<br />
<strong>and</strong> materials thick <strong>and</strong> dense enough to absorb radiation<br />
given off by fallout. (Note: we are mainly focusing on<br />
these types of shelters in this section.)<br />
Basic shelter requirements - Whether you build a shelter in advance or<br />
throw together an exp<strong>ed</strong>ient last-minute shelter during a crisis, the area<br />
should protect you from radiation <strong>and</strong> support you for at least 2 weeks.<br />
Some basic requirements for a fallout shelter include ...<br />
• shielding<br />
• ventilation<br />
• water <strong>and</strong> food<br />
• sanitation <strong>and</strong> first aid products<br />
• radiation monitoring devices, radio, tools, firearms, etc.<br />
Shielding materials - All fallout shelters must provide good protection from<br />
radioactive particles. FEMA suggests having a minimum of several inches<br />
of concrete or 1 to 2 feet of earth as shielding around your shelter, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
more the better. Per FEMA, the following shows examples of shielding<br />
materials that equal the protection of 4 inches (10 cm) of concrete ...<br />
• 5 - 6 inches (12 - 15 cm) of bricks<br />
• 6 inches (15 cm) of s<strong>and</strong> or gravel<br />
• 7 inches (18 cm) of earth<br />
• 8 inches (20 cm) of hollow concrete block<br />
• 10 inches (25 cm) of water<br />
• 14 inches (35 cm) of books or magazines<br />
• 18 inches (46 cm) of wood<br />
Underground is best - Taking shelter in a basement or a facility below<br />
ground r<strong>ed</strong>uces exposure by 90%. Less than 4 inches (10 cm) of soil or<br />
earth can r<strong>ed</strong>uce the penetration of dangerous gamma rays by half.<br />
Prefab shelter - If you have money, time <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong>, there are many types of<br />
prefabricat<strong>ed</strong> shelters you can purchase <strong>and</strong> have buri<strong>ed</strong> on your property.<br />
Some have complete living quarters <strong>and</strong> come fully stock<strong>ed</strong> with food <strong>and</strong><br />
other items. Do your research <strong>and</strong> get references first though.<br />
www.itsa<strong>disaster</strong>.net or call 1-888-999-4325<br />
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