Nuclear & Radiological Attacks

Both nuclear and radiological attacks are carried out in the form of a blast. A nuclear blast is characterized by intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave, and widespread radioactive material. A radiological attack, also known as a "dirty nuke" or dirty bomb", is designed to disburse a dangerous and sub-lethal amount of radioactive material over a general area. Of the two devices, terrorist are more likely to use a dirty bomb as materials used to construct such a device are more readily available. The following website will provide more information on each type of attack and how to protect yourself if an attack were to occur.

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1. Nuclear Blast Information Sheet
   Ready America
   U.S. Department of Homeland Security
   http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/nuclear.html
2. Nuclear Power Plant Incidents
   Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages
   http://www.redcross.org/images/pdfs/code/nuclear_power_plant.pdf
3. Radiation Emergencies
   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
   http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/
4. Radiation Protection Basics
   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
   http://www.epa.gov/radiation/understand/
5. Radiation Threat Information Sheet
   Ready America
   U.S. Department of Homeland Security
   http://www.ready.gov/radiation.html