ABSTRACT
Short-term protective actions include: evacuation, sheltering, respiratory protection, ingestion of potassium iodide, and rapid interdiction of food and water supplies. The information that follows is intended to provide emergency workers and the public with guidance about actions that may reduce potential harm. This guidance will also be included in pre-emergency educational materials as well as in emergency broadcasts during an accident. The accident may develop so quickly that warning time is inadequate for precautionary evacuation. Heavy traffic or adverse natural conditions may hinder an evacuation. In a nuclear accident, potassium iodide should be taken only in the form packaged for use during a radiation emergency. Skin contamination can be reduced by minimizing the exposure of the skin and by changing clothes carefully after the plume has passed.
