Cover your mouth and nose with a facemask or other material (such as a scarf or handkerchief) until you know that the fallout cloud has passed.IF YOU ARE ALREADY IN A SHELTER OR BASEMENT: If possible, take a shower, wash your hair, and change clothes before you enter the shelter. Remove clothing since it may be contaminated.Move to a shelter, basement, or other underground area, preferably located away from the direction that the wind is blowing.

However, cover your mouth and nose while you do this. Remove any dust from your clothes by brushing, shaking, and wiping in a ventilated area.Find something to cover your mouth and nose, such as a scarf, handkerchief, or other cloth.IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE WHEN THE BLAST OCCURS: Remain flat until the heat and two shock waves have passed.Drop to the ground face down and place your hands under your body.Turn away and close and cover your eyes to prevent damage to your sight.The World Health Organization recommends these steps if a nuclear blast occurs: While experts predict that a nuclear attack at this time is less likely than other types, terrorism by its nature is unpredictable. During a nuclear incident, it is important to avoid radioactive material, if possible. A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground surfaces for miles around.

How to shelter from nuclear fallout