Accidents with the release of radioactive substances (RR) into the environment can lead to catastrophic consequences. In this case, as a rule, radioactive contamination may occur outside the territory of the facility, irradiation of the population and contamination of the territory at levels hazardous to human health.
In the event of an accident at a nuclear power plant (NPP), the population is notified using state wired, radio and television broadcasting networks. In this regard, the population living in these areas needs to stay indoors, perform additional sealing of living quarters and pet habitats, and apply iodine preparation. In the future, act in accordance with the instructions of the Civil Defense Headquarters.
When a signal about an accident at a nuclear power plant or nuclear industry enterprise is received, the working shift is hidden in storage facilities, and the population living in a 30-kilometer zone is in protective structures or evacuated. At the same time, personal protective equipment is provided, supplies of food, water, and basic necessities are taken. If circumstances force people to temporarily remain in an infected area, they should:
• carry out work to seal residential premises as quickly as possible (cover windows with thick fabric, seal cracks and openings, close doors tightly);
• in rural areas, domestic animals are driven into premises prepared for long-term keeping;
• livestock farm service personnel are hiding in anti-radiation shelters (RAHs) prepared near the farms. In contaminated areas you need to behave very carefully:
• use personal protective equipment;
• do not go outside unless necessary;
• leave shelters and storage facilities less frequently and for short periods of time;
• if you need to leave the shelter, you should first put on personal protective equipment;
• consumption of food and drinking water that has not been tested for PP contamination is prohibited.
The modes of behavior of people in areas contaminated with radioactive waste, their work activities, time spent in shelters and other issues related to ensuring the protection of the population, animals and material assets are determined by regulatory documents developed by Civil Defense headquarters.
Due to the possible prolonged contamination of the territory within a 30-kilometer zone, the main way to protect the population may be the evacuation of the population.
Emergency evacuation of the population is carried out directly from buildings, entrances, and protective structures. In other cases, it is done routinely.
Evacuation of the population is carried out by car, on foot, using personal transport in two stages. At the first stage, people are transported to a checkpoint on the border of a zone of dangerous radioactive contamination and disembarked. At the second stage, they undergo radiation monitoring, medical examination, sanitary treatment, if necessary, and are transported to resettlement points by clean transport.
The administration of the facility notifies the start of the evacuation of workers, employees, and family members; the rest of the population is notified by the administration of the local authorities.
Having received notification of the start of evacuation, every citizen must:
• as quickly as possible, collect everything you need to take with you (passport, military ID, documents on education and specialty, marriage and birth certificates, money);
• take available personal protective equipment (respirator, cotton-gauze bandage, clothing and shoes that are adapted to protect the skin
from RR);
• prepare a set of outerwear and shoes for the season;
• prepare a supply of food and drinking water, packaged in sealed water- and dust-proof bags;
• when leaving the apartment, you need to turn off all lighting and heating devices, close the water and gas taps, windows and vents;
• at the specified time, all evacuees should arrive at the evacuation point for registration and departure to the safe zone.
On the evacuation route, the following procedures must be followed:
• strictly follow instructions and orders of managers (seniors);
• act quickly and competently on warning signals;
• when traveling in vehicles, do not leave your seats without the permission of a superior, do not go out without permission, and when traveling on foot, provide assistance to those who are tired and lagging behind;
• upon arrival at the final evacuation point, it is organized to register and take the specified place of residence.