On the evening of May 26, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense reported that the Russians were preparing a simulated accident at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, which could be carried out in the next few hours. The occupiers seek to create a threatening situation and blame Ukraine for it.

What the consequences of such a provocation might be is unknown. However, we must act on the principle of “forewarned is protected.” Therefore, we recall the basic rules that will help protect life and health in the event of a radiation leak.

The main rules of behavior in an accident

How to act when the accident was reported

• In the event of an accident, it is likely that a siren may go off, to which you need to react and go to shelter or close all windows and doors in an apartment or house. Because radiation settles on the outside of buildings, you need to stay away from walls or roofs. If a notice catches you outside, seek shelter immediately.
• Make a multi-day supply of water in airtight containers. Wrap food in foil and put in the refrigerator or cupboard.
• Prepare a mask, respirator or cotton-gauze bandage for respiratory protection.
• Follow messages from rescuers of the State Emergency Service, police, local authorities.

What to do if you need to go outside

• Don't go outside if you don't have to. However, if such a need nevertheless arises, then you only need to go out wearing a respirator, rubber boots and gloves and a raincoat.
• Do not undress on the street, do not sit on the ground, do not swim in open water.

< li> Upon returning home, remove the top layer of clothing. This way you get rid of 90% of the radioactive material. Do this carefully so as not to stir up the radioactive dust. Place clothing in a plastic bag or sealed container and keep it away from people and pets.

• If possible, take a shower with soap and shampoo. Do not use hair conditioners as they can fix radioactive material in your hair. Avoid rubbing or scratching your skin to prevent radioactive material from getting into open wounds.
• If not showering, wash your hands, face, and exposed parts of your body with soap and running water. If there is no access to water, use wet wipes, a damp cloth. Pay special attention to your hands and face, wipe your eyelids, eyelashes, ears.
• Put on clean clothes.

Guidelines for safe eating

• Only drink water from trusted sources. Plastic bottles protect water from radioactive contamination. Remember that boiling tap water does not get rid of radioactive substances.
• Water in other containers in your home, such as a toilet or water heater, will not contain radioactive substances. Tap or well water can be used to wash yourself and pack food and water. Even if tap water is contaminated, you can still use it to disinfect. Any radioactive material that enters surface or groundwater will be diluted with water to a very low level and will be safe for washing skin, hair and clothing.
• Food stored in sealed containers (bags, cans, bottles) and in the freezer or refrigerator are also safe to consume.
• Wipe food containers and utensils with a damp cloth or clean towel before opening. Place the used cloth or towel in a plastic bag or sealed container and keep it out of reach of people and animals.

Only after official announcement: rules iodine prophylaxis

It should be remembered that iodine prophylaxis cannot be carried out arbitrarily, because this can have negative consequences. Therefore, you should use potassium iodide or another iodine-containing preparationonly after an official announcementby the Public Health Center and local authorities.

The following are the required doses of iodine for different ages.

• Children under 1 month old (infants and breastfed children) 16 milligrams;
• Children 1 month to 3 years old 32 milligrams
• Children 3 to 12 years – 62.5 milligrams;
• adolescents from 13 to 18 years old, adults under 40 years old, pregnant and lactating mothers – 125 milligrams.

Recall ! The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense reported on the threat of provocation at the Zaporozhye NPP by the Russians. However, you need to keep calm and a cold mind and trust only information from trusted sources. It should be understood that public announcement of the enemy's plans may deter him from realizing his plan, but there is no need to lose vigilance or panic.

Keep information hygiene, remember the contingency plan and take care of yourself!