Long-Term Care Toolkit Annex O: Radiological Incidents

In a radiation emergency, such as a nuclear power plant accident, a nuclear detonation, or the explosion of a radiological dispersal device (“dirty bomb”), you will want to get inside a building and take shelter for a period of time instead of leaving. The walls of a building can block much of the harmful radiation, the best place to go for protection is an interior room away from all windows, or an underground/basement level of a structure. Radioactive materials become weaker over time, staying inside for at least 24 hours can protect you and your family until it is safe to leave the area. Remember: get inside, stay inside, and stay tuned.

Reporting requirements and contact information

Radiological incidents involve radioactive or nuclear material and involve several special considerations. Local emergency response systems should be activated. Notification should immediately include the building maintenance personnel and the LTC facilities/agencies administration, and prompt communication with the local and state health departments. Be sure to follow local, and guidelines. Each LTC facility/agency should include a list containing the following telephone notification numbers in its readiness plan:

Internal contacts

• Building maintenance
• Administration/public affairs

External contacts (see Appendix N for the following)

• Local health department:
  • MDH: Find a local health department or community health board
• Local emergency manager:
  • DPS: County Emergency Managers
• Minnesota Department of Health: 651-201-5735
  • MDH Radiation Unit: 651-201-4545
  • MDH Radioactive Materials: 651-201-4400
• Minnesota Duty Officer: 651-649-5451

*See excel spreadsheets for all internal/external contacts*

Radiological dispersal device (RDD)

A radiological dispersal device (RDD) also known as a dirty bomb, combines a conventional explosive, such as dynamite, with radioactive material. A dirty bomb is intended to cause public panic in addition to loss of life and destruction. In most instances, the conventional explosive is more immediately lethal than the radioactive material it contains. At the levels created by most probable sources, not enough radiation would be present in a dirty bomb to kill people or cause severe illness.

However, certain other radioactive materials, dispersed in the air, could contaminate up to several city blocks, creating fear and possibly panic and requiring potentially costly cleanup. Prompt, accurate, non-emotional public information might prevent panic sought by terrorists.

Rapid response checklist

• Move all staff, residents, and visitors indoors and stay inside.
• Close all vents, doors and windows. 
• Seal gaps with wet towels, plastic, waxed paper, aluminum wrap or duct tape.
• Turn off fans, air conditioning, furnaces, fireplaces and other systems that draw in outside air.
• Use electrical sources for heating.
• Stay in a below-ground basement if possible (they provide the best shelter).
• Otherwise, stay in an above-ground interior rooms, away from windows.
• Don’t leave the building or evacuate unless told to do so.
• Post a “NOTIFIED” sign on the front door for authorities to see.

Nuclear power plants

Facilities or agencies within 50 miles of a nuclear power plant should have a plan for nuclear power plant disaster. MN has two Nuclear Power Plants, located in Monticello and Prairie Island. The following maps on the MN Homeland Securing and Emergency Management website can be used to identify if your facility/agency is within 50 miles of a power plant.

Monticello

• Facility/agency located within 10 miles: Yes or No DPS: Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant Basemap (PDF)
• Facility/agency located within 50 miles: Yes or No DPS: Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant Ingestion Pathways (PDF)

Prairie Island

• Facility/agency located within 10 miles: Yes or No DPS: Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant Baseplan (PDF)
• Facility/agency located within 50 miles: Yes or No DPS: Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant Ingestion Pathways (PDF)

On HSEM: Homeland Security and Emergency Management's website for Radiological Emergency Preparedness there is a wealth of information from fact sheets, more maps, and trainings.

Rapid response checklist

• Close all vent, doors, and windows.
• Turn off fans, air conditioning, furnaces, fireplaces and other systems that draw in outside air.
• Post a “NOTIFIED” sign on your front door for authorities to see.
• Go to the inner most room within the building, away from windows. If possible, seek shelter in a basement or underground parking garage or other similar location. (The goal is to put as much distance and physical separation between you and the outside.)
• See EVACUATION checklist in Appendix I.
• Keep vehicle windows and vents closed. If in transport seek shelter in a building as soon as possible.

Should I stay or should I go?

With either a dirty bomb or a nuclear power plant incident you will be asked to either shelter-in-place or evacuate by county or state emergency management or law enforcement. Here are the documents developed by HSEM.

• Shelter-in-place - HSEM Shelter-in-Place Guide for Emergency Managers (PDF)

If sheltering-in-place will need someone familiar with the HVAC system which is why you want to contact your building maintenance personnel.

• Evacuation - DPS: Evacuation Guide for Emergency Managers (PDF)

*See also Appendix H for shelter-in-place and Appendix I for evacuation.