A series of instructions have been outlined in case of civil contingencies and major radiation accidents in Bahrain.
The guidelines on the Interior Ministry’s portal, the National Civil Protection Platform (ncpp.gov.bh), are aimed at educating and preparing the public for different emergency scenarios, including exposure from radiation and a dirty bomb.
The strategic objective of the new roadmap for emergency preparedness is to educate the public about a unified protocol of risk mitigation programmes.
The portal, which promotes a culture of security in society, is accessible to all citizens and residents.
A series of infographics posted on www.ncpp.gov.bh provide detailed and vital information in English and Arabic.
It lists steps to be followed to protect oneself in case of radioactive exposure include carefully removing the outer layer of clothing and placing it in a bag away from pedestrians and pets.
All doors, windows and other openings including interior doors need to be closed.
During a radiation or nuclear emergency, radioactive material such as dust or sand can fall out of the air and land on an object below, such as people, buildings, cars and roads.
In case of exposure, individuals are urged to use a damp cloth or towel to wipe the uncovered parts of the body, especially face and hands, or wash with soap or shampoo but not to use conditioner because that can make radioactive substances stick to hair.
“Because radioactive material decays over time, staying indoors for at least 24 hours can protect you and your family until it is safe to leave the area,” states the advisory.
Pregnant women are urged to consult a doctor after an X-ray emergency as soon as it is safe to do so.
The foetus is very sensitive to the health effects of radiation exposure due to the rapid rate of cell division, while children are more likely to develop side effects after radiation exposure.
“Evacuation decisions depend on wind speed and direction, the size and extent of the disaster, radiation levels and possible damage to roads and buildings,” it adds.
In case of a dirty bomb – which is a mixture of explosives, radioactive powder and bullets – the major risk comes from the explosion and not from radiation, as people close by could be injured by pieces of the bomb; people are urged to stay indoors.
An infographic dedicated to improvised nuclear device explosion warns that once the mushroom-shaped clouds cool off they turn into falling dust that contaminates anything that it falls onto.
In case you are outside, seek shelter in a building or shop to stay indoors, while children should stay in school during the emergency period.
“Unless you are seriously injured, stay away from hospitals, fire stations and police,” state the guidelines.
“This will help keep facilities available for those who need help most.
“Emergency services will provide information on where to go for radioactive contamination testing and the location of (33) emergency shelters.”
If you do not have access to a sink or tap, use a clean, damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down exposed parts of your body. Pay particular attention to your hands and face and dispose the used tissue or paper towel in a plastic bag or other airtight container and keep the bag out of reach.
“After a radiological emergency, scientists will test the drinking water supply to ensure that it is safe,” the instructions state.
“Until the results are available, bottled water is the only source of water that is free from contamination.”
sandy@gdnmedia.bh
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