Preparing for a nuclear power plant accident

You will be informed about an imminent threat by:

  • warning sirens;
  • cell broadcast messages to mobile phones. Once the function is activated, messages will be received;
  • Lithuanian radio or television;
  • representatives of municipalities and rescue services in places where warning sirens are not audible.

What to do in the event of a nuclear accident?

  • Listen carefully the information provided through radio or television;
  • If you are indoors (in a building), stay there. Close all doors, windows and air vents. If needed, use isolation tape for sealing up;
  • If there is a sealed basement in a building, then you are advised to hide in the basement. If there is no sealed basement, stay in the middle of the building. Avoid being close to external building walls or in the attic;
  • Stay tuned – radio or television should be turned on, since the newest updates and recommendations will be provided;
  • If you hear the warning while being outdoors, go to the closest sealed building immediately.

Take care of your safety now

Prepare your household so that you will be able to survive at home for 72 hours (3 days) without leaving the house (i.e. have food and water supplies, hygiene measures etc.).

In case of evacuation, be prepared and take important documents, its copies, flashlight, portable radio or handheld TV, batteries, first aid kit, food and drinking water, money (cash), comfortable shoes, clothes etc. It is advised to keep all needed things in the emergency supply kit.

Reducing inhalation of radioactive material (particles)

  • Acquire disposable respirators in advance. If you do not have it, protect your respiratory tract by using self-made measures (bandages) made from fabric and cotton wool, soft paper or relevant material which is air permeable yet prevents from dust;
  • Acquire polyethylene coats since it may prevent outerwear from external contamination with radioactive material;
  • Used disposable respirators or other protective measures shall be put into a plastic bag and put away till you be informed about utilisation of contaminated items.

Reducing radiation exposure risk

  • Shorten the time spent near ionising radiation source or in the territory contaminated with radioactive material;
  • Stay as far away as possible from ionising radiation source or the territory contaminated with radioactive material;
  • Hide in enclosed premises (consider safe indoor places);
  • Avoid being in places, where a probability of inhaling radioactive material occurs;
  • Do not consume food and water if it is potentially contaminated with radioactive material.

Potassium iodide. When and how to use it?

In the event of a nuclear accident the environment may be contaminated with radioactive iodine, which accumulates in the thyroid gland and causes damage. Therefore, it important to protect thyroid gland by using stable iodine.