disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

The numbers in the graphic (on previous page) stand for a 'dose reduction
factor.' A dose reduction factor of 10 means that a person in that area
would get 1/10th of the dose of a person in the open. A dose reduction
factor of 200 means that a person in that area would receive 1/200th of the
dose of a person out in the open. A color version of the graphic is available
at www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/shelter.html
Indoor shelter shielding - Below are some ways to build an expedient lastminute
shelter in your home, apartment or workplace. Please realize these
tips are very basic things to help protect you from dangerous radiation.
• Set up a large, sturdy workbench or table in location
you’ve chosen (see previous page). If no table, make one
by putting doors on top of boxes, appliances or furniture.
• Put as much shielding - furniture, file cabinets, appliances,
boxes or pillowcases filled with dirt or sand, boxes of
food, water or books, concrete blocks, bricks, etc. - all
around sides and on top of table, but don’t put too much
weight on tabletop or it could collapse. Add reinforcing
supports, if needed. (See page 115 for shielding materials
and remember, the more shielding you use, the better
protection you’ll have from radioactive fallout.)
• Leave a crawl space so everyone can get inside and be
prepared to block opening with shielding materials.
• Leave 2 small air spaces for ventilation (about 4-6” each)
- one low at one end and one high at other end. (This
allows for better airflow since warm air rises.)
• If you have time and ability to do so, add more mass or
shielding materials (like earth) on the floor above you.
Support or brace floor from below for the added weight.
• Have water, detection devices, radio, food and sanitation
supplies in case you have to shelter for days or weeks.
Ventilation - While inside a shelter you need to circulate fresh air in to
reduce carbon dioxide buildup and help reduce heat. If shelter is above
ground, the natural flow of air through cracks or windows outside shelter
can help move stale warm air out, but basements and underground shelters
may have trouble getting airflow. Some ways to improve airflow ...
• open a door or window - consider opening a door or window
in another part of house or building to improve the
natural air circulation (but don’t expose yourself to fallout
or high radiation levels and don’t open window in shelter)
• air pump - by planning ahead you can purchase or make
a portable pump (read App. B at www.oism.org/nwss)
www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325
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