The realistic picture
Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011) are the two worst accidents in history. In both, radiation mainly affected nearby areas, which were evacuated. That's why plans are organized by distance from the plant: sheltering and iodide distribution close in, and food and water controls further out.
Before
- Check whether you live or work within about 10 miles of a nuclear plant (in the US, food controls can extend to 50 miles). If so, look up your local emergency plan: evacuation routes, reception centers and where potassium iodide is distributed.
- Keep your go-bag, documents and medication ready, and your car's tank above half.
- A battery radio: alerts come by radio, TV and phone alerts.
During: shelter in place
- Go into your home or the nearest building and stay inside.
- Close doors and windows and turn off ventilation, air conditioning and any heating that draws outside air.
- Move to an interior room or the basement.
- If you were outside, remove your outer clothing, bag it and shower.
- Listen to the radio and don't go out until authorities say so.
Potassium iodide: it only protects the thyroid, and only if taken at the right time. Take it only when authorities tell you to, at the dose they give.
If you're ordered to evacuate
- Follow the designated routes even if they aren't the shortest: they're designed to take you away from the plume.
- Close the windows and set the car's ventilation to recirculate.
- Take your bag, documents, medication and pets.
Afterwards: water and food
Authorities may restrict local produce for weeks, especially milk, leafy vegetables and rainwater. Packaged food and bottled water you already had at home are safe. This is exactly what a pantry and stored water are for.