Find below an expertly curated list of government radiation emergency information, tools, and resources.
Radiation Emergency Resources
In the event of a radiological emergency, medical professionals can find references and job aids to assist in the management of individuals injured by ionizing radiation.
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) / U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
orise.orau.gov
“Do I Need to Take Potassium Iodide (KI)?”
This document answers frequently asked questions related to taking potassium iodide (KI) during a radiological release, as well as dosing recommendations from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) / U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
orise.orau.gov
How to Stay Safe in the Event of a Radiation Emergency
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Ready.gov/radiation
Radiation Monitoring
EPA’s RadNet system monitors the nation’s air, precipitation, and drinking water for radiation.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
epa.gov/radnet
Radiation Protection and Health Effects
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
epa.gov/radiation
Radiation Emergencies
Tools and resources for clinicians, public health professionals, and the public
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
cdc.gov
Radiation Thermometer
The purpose of the radiation thermometer is to put common radiation doses in perspective. This tool can help people assess their own risk in a radiation emergency.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
cdc.gov
Radiation Hazard Scale
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed the Radiation Hazard Scale as a tool for communication in emergencies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
cdc.gov
Find a U.S. Embassy
Websites of U.S. embassies, consulates, diplomatic missions, and offices providing consular services
U.S. Department of State
usembassy.gov
Radiological and Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Information from FDA – Food Safety
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
fda.gov
Food Emergency Response Network (FERN)
FERN integrates the nation’s food-testing laboratories at the local, state, and federal levels into a network that is able to respond to emergencies involving biological, chemical, or radiological contamination of food.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
fernlab.org
Nuclear Materials Safe Use
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is an independent regulator created to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials in the United States, including commercial nuclear power plants and the use of nuclear materials in industry, academia, and medicine.
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
nrc.gov
Radiation Communications Resources
Resources
Basic Radiation Information
This document briefly explains various radiation-related terms and concepts in an easy to read format.
HPS Specialist in Radiation Protection
For public, media, a health physicist, or a scientist you can either find answers or submit questions or ask the Health Physics Society experts.
Evaluating Tabletop Exercise Effectiveness
FEMA developed a standardized program that includes common terminology for exercise design, development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning. Read about alternative options and actions.