Quick Answer
To effectively seal your shelter against fallout, use a combination of materials to block radiation, including thick plastic sheets, plywood, or earth, and ensure a secure seal around doors and windows. Activate your potassium iodide (KI) tablets to prevent thyroid damage from radioactive iodine. Maintain a safe distance from the fallout zone.
Preparing Your Shelter for Fallout
When preparing your shelter, focus on creating a barrier between the outside environment and the interior space. Use thick plastic sheets (at least 6 mils thick) or plywood to cover windows and doors. Seal any gaps or openings with caulk, tape, or weatherstripping to prevent radiation from seeping in. If possible, dig a hole or create a bunker to provide natural shielding from radiation.
Decontaminating Your Shelter
Upon entering your shelter, change into protective clothing, including a gas mask, gloves, and a hazmat suit. Remove any contaminated clothing and gear, and store them outside the shelter. Decontaminate any tools or equipment using soap and water, then dry them thoroughly. Take KI tablets as directed to prevent thyroid damage.
Time-Distance Shielding
If it’s not possible to build a shelter, use time and distance to your advantage. Move at least 1 mile away from the fallout zone, or if that’s not feasible, find a location that provides natural shielding, such as a hill or a building with thick walls. The more distance you put between yourself and the fallout zone, the lower your radiation exposure will be.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.