The damage to nuclear reactors in Japan has led to concerns about radiation exposure in San Bernardino County. Japan’s nuclear emergency presents no current danger to California residents, according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The California Department of Public Health is monitoring the situation closely with state and federal partners, including the NRC, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy, FEMA Region IX, and the California Emergency Management Agency.
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health does not recommend taking potassium iodide tablets (also called KI) as a precaution, since state and federal experts do not anticipate a risk of radiation exposure to local residents at this time. Potassium iodide tablets can present a danger to people with allergies to iodine, shellfish or who have thyroid problems. Potassium iodide tablets should not be taken until/unless directed by authorities, or advised by a medical professional. The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health continues to closely monitor the situation, and will alert clinicians if recommendations change.
The California Department of Public Health has a radiological branch and routinely tests air, water and the food supply. California has a plan of response for radiological emergencies if one were to arise.
For more information, call the California Department of Public Health hotline at
916-341-3947.
What is Radiation?
Radiation is a form or type of energy
that is present all around us. Different
types of radiation exist, some of which
have more energy than others.
Basic Facts on Radiation
Emergencies click here
| Nuclear Event |
 |
Produces a nuclear explosion involving the joining or splitting of atoms causing an intense pulse or wave of heat, light, air pressure, and radiation. |
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Creates a highly harmful explosion that instantly destroys people and buildings because of extreme heat and impact of the blast. |
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Results in large amounts of radioactivity or "fallout" spread in a wide area. |
| Radiological Event |
|
May involve explosion and release of radioactivity, but no atom splitting. |
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Typically less radioactivity is released than in a nuclear event. |
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In both cases, wind direction and weather patterns can spread radioactivity beyond the local incident site. |
|
Dirty Bomb Explosion |
| Radioactive Contamination |
|
Deposits radioactive material (e.g., dirt, dust, debris, liquid) on the surfaces of structures, areas, objects, or people. It can be in the air, inside the body, or on the skin. |
| Radiation Exposure |
|
Exposure occurs when radiation gets into the body and deposits its energy. For example, when a person has a chest X-ray, they are exposed to radiation, but they are not contaminated. They have only been exposed to radiation. |
How can I protect myself?
If a radiation emergency were to
happen, you may be asked to "
shelter
in place," which means to stay in
your home or office. You may also be
asked to leave where you are and move to
another location. If you are advised to
shelter in place, you should do the
following:
|
Close and lock all doors and window. |
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Turn off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heating units that bring in fresh air from the outside. Only use units to re-circulate air that is already in the building. |
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Close fireplace dampers. |
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If possible, bring pets inside. |
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Move to an inner room or basement |
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Keep your radio tuned to the emergency response network or local news to learn what else you need to do. |
How will I know
to evacuate or shelter in place? click here
If a radiation emergency were to happen,
residents in a given area may be
required to evacuate. Depending on the
direction the radioactive cloud or
stream (called the plume) is moving from
the incident site (the area where the
accident or explosion took place),
residents may have to evacuate to an
emergency shelter.
If there is a "code red" or "severe"
terror alert, pay close attention to
radio and television broadcasts to find
out if an evacuation order has been
given for your area.
Every emergency is different and during
any emergency people may have to
evacuate or shelter in place depending
on where they live.
How Will I be Notified in an Emergency?
In the event of an emergency, local officials, including the
Department of Public health, would provide information and
instructions to the public as quickly as possible. You will
be notified either by radio, television, Internet, and any
other means necessary. San Bernardino County residents can
tune their radios to the following local stations that have
been designated to provide critical information and
emergency alerts.
Emergency Alert System (EAS)
San Bernardino County Emergency Information
Line (909) 355-8800 — Recorded Information Only
The EAS is a warning system to provide the public with
immediate messages that affect life and property. EAS is a
way to provide emergency information quickly by radio,
television, and cable licensees to the public. During an
emergency, tune to your local EAS radio broadcast stations
listed below or a station in your area.
EAS Stations:
95.1 FM KFRG Valley/High Desert
93.3 FM KBHR Big Bear Valley
98.9 FM KHWY High Desert
102.3 FM KZXY Victor Valley
107.7 FM KCDZ Morongo/Joshua Tree
1620 AM Caltrans Information
For more information on natural disasters visit the
California Department of Health Services
Natural Disasters Information website.
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