Emergencies and disasters:
How to act correctly!

Nuclear accident - exposure to radioactive substances

In our industrial and technological society, it is also part of our lives that hazardous substances can be released from a nuclear reactor in the event of an accident or a terrorist attack. The reactor accident in Fukushima or the threat posed by the breakdown reactor in Tihange, Belgium, are real.

The website www.jodblockade.de leads to a document from the Radiation Protection Commission on the "Use of iodine tablets". In addition to a leaflet for doctors and pharmacists, this document also contains instructions for the general public. The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War - Physicians in Social Responsibility, IPPNW Aachen branch, also refer to these recommendations.
However, taking iodine tablets is only one of several measures to protect the population. Depending on the severity of the accident and the distance from the accident site, further measures are ordered by the disaster control authorities. The public should be informed clearly, unambiguously and in a comprehensible manner about the correct behavior in each specific situation, depending on the current situation and circumstances. The Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) recommends that the suggestions and information presented in the guidelines be observed, taking into account the particular situation.

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The horror is great, as is the danger. A fire that gets out of control is always a disaster. There are many causes for a fire at home or in public buildings: faulty electricity, work that is dangerous to fire, carelessness in the home, negligence when barbecuing or overheating electrical appliances. Regardless of whether this results in an open fire or a smoldering fire, the consequences are often catastrophic. You can effectively prevent and protect yourself.

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We live in an industrialized society and benefit from the possibilities of modern technology. But no technology is without risks. Despite all safety standards, it is also part of our lives that hazardous substances can be released. For example, in the event of an accident involving a hazardous goods transporter, a fire in a factory or a warehouse with chemical products. Careless handling of household cleaners at home can also be dangerous.

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No one will forget this in a hurry: weeks of heavy rain turned large parts of southern, eastern and northern Germany into disaster zones during the summer floods of 2013. In such cases, even small streams can become raging torrents that pose a danger to homes, property and lives.

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Do you know how dependent you are on electricity, gas, oil or district heating? What happens when everything fails? The telephone is dead, the heating won't start, there's no hot water, the computer goes on strike, the coffee machine stops working, the lights are out. You can add to this list at will. You quickly realize how dependent you are on electrical energy.

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How to behave correctly:

Outside

• Avoid unprotected places where you could be hit by hail or objects carried away by the storm.
• Seek shelter in a building and avoid halls with large ceiling spans during strong storms.
• If there is still enough time, secure movable objects such as garden furniture, bicycles, etc. outside.
• In the event of hail, if there is nowhere to shelter, lie face down on the ground and protect your head and neck with your hands!

Thunderstorm

• During thunderstorms, seek shelter in a building or squat on the balls of your feet with your feet close together, preferably in a hollow.
• Avoid open terrain, mountain peaks, trees, towers, masts, aerials and do not lean against fences.
• Keep a minimum distance of 50 meters from overhead power lines.
• Avoid all objects with metal parts such as umbrellas and bicycles.

In the car

• You are safe in the car during thunderstorms. So stay in the vehicle and do not touch any bare metal parts.

At home

• In the event of hail and hurricanes, close the windows, shutters or blinds and keep away from unprotected openings.
• Find a low-lying room, e.g. a cellar or an interior room. Cars, caravans and light buildings are not necessarily safe during storms.
• Avoid rooms with large ceiling spans such as halls.
• Disconnect sensitive devices from the mains or use a surge protector. Suitable devices are available in stores.

Protection for animals

• Pets and farm animals are very frightened by storms. Try to reassure your animals and make sure that they cannot leave the protected area.

Behavior after the storm

• Before cleaning up, you should carefully check and document what has been damaged or destroyed, e.g. by water ingress or broken glass.
• If someone is injured, provide first aid and call the emergency services on 112 if necessary. Further information can be found in the "Emergency call" chapter.
• Attention! If heating oil or other hazardous substances have been released due to flooding, e.g. in the cellar, call the fire department on 112. Be careful when entering flooded cellars, there is a risk of electric shock if the house connection box is located in the cellar.
• Only operate electrical appliances if they have not become damp.
• If the building is badly damaged, stay outside and do not re-enter until it has been cleared by experts.
• If the roof is badly damaged, stay far enough away from the house. Call the fire department on 112.

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