Nuclear and Chemical Incidents
A radiation emergency or a chemical release is rare, but the first hour matters more than in almost any other crisis. You cannot see or smell most of the danger, so you depend on official information. The right actions are simple and the same almost everywhere: get inside, stay inside, stay tuned.
1. Before: prepare
- Know how your country warns the public: sirens, mobile alerts, radio.
- Keep a battery, crank or solar radio. Mobile networks may be overloaded.
- Keep your home kit stocked so you can stay indoors for several days.
- Choose the room you would shelter in: as few windows as possible, in the middle of the building or in a basement.
- Find out whether your country recommends keeping iodine tablets at home, and for whom. In Norway, the radiation authority (DSA) recommends that everyone under 40 keeps them at home. Children and young people under 18, pregnant women and breastfeeding women are the priority group. They are not recommended for people over 40.
- Know where the nearest public shelter is. See public shelters in Norway.
2. Radiation emergency
Get inside
- Go into the nearest solid building. Brick and concrete protect best. A basement or the centre of a large building is safest. Underground car parks and metro stations also protect.
- Bring children and pets inside.
Stay inside
- Close windows, doors and vents. Turn off ventilation and air conditioning that brings in outside air.
- If you were outside when it happened: take off your outer layer of clothing and shoes at the door, without shaking them, and seal them in a bag. This can remove up to 90% of radioactive material. Shower or wash with soap and water. Do not use hair conditioner.
- Stay inside for at least 24 hours, unless authorities tell you otherwise or there is an immediate danger such as fire.
- Food and water that were indoors and covered are safe.
Stay tuned
- Follow official radio and alerts.
- Take iodine tablets only when authorities tell you to. They protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine. They do not protect against other radiation, and taking them at the wrong time does not help.
- Do not evacuate on your own. A car on a jammed road gives far less protection than a building.
3. Chemical release
- If you are outside: move away from the source, across the wind rather than with it, and get indoors. Cover your nose and mouth.
- Indoors: close windows and doors, turn off ventilation, and go to an inner room. Follow official advice on which floor to use.
- Seal gaps under doors with wet towels or tape if advised.
- If you were exposed: remove your clothes, wash with plenty of water and soap, and call for medical help.
- If authorities order evacuation instead, leave at once by the route they give.
4. After
- Wait for the all-clear before going out or ventilating.
- Follow advice on food, water, gardens and animals.
- Seek medical advice if you feel unwell.
- Expect rumours. Use official sources. See Mental Resilience.
Quick checklist
- Battery or crank radio
- Home kit for several days indoors
- Shelter room chosen
- Iodine tablets if recommended for your household
- Tape and plastic bags
- Know how to turn off ventilation
Frequently asked questions
Should I take iodine tablets as soon as I hear of an accident?
No. Take them only when the authorities where you are tell you to. Timing and age group matter.
Is my home a good enough shelter?
Any building is far better than being outside or in a car. Stay in the middle of the building, away from windows, or in the basement.
Sources
- FEMA / Ready.gov: Radiation Emergencies and Chemical Emergencies
- CDC: Radiation Emergencies
- DSA Norway: iodine tablets (Norwegian)
- Bærum municipality: iodine tablets (Norwegian)
Educational material. Always follow instructions from your local authorities. Last reviewed: November 2026.