Gotham Shield 2017 Response

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Last updated – April 26, 2017 12:35:00

A nuclear explosion occurred at the Lincoln Tunnel in New Jersey, at 10:00 a.m. ET on April 24, 2107. The explosion has caused thousands of fatalities and injuries and released potentially deadly radiation. To protect life and health, people in the surrounding New York and New Jersey area must Get Inside, Stay Inside, and Stay Tuned.

Local officials are currently evacuating certain affected areas. People in affected areas need to stay inside until specifically told by local officials that it is safe to evacuate.

For those sheltering in place:

• Unless you have a life-threatening situation, you should not leave your building or place of shelter until emergency officials say it is safe to do so. Treat non-radiation related cuts, bruises, or injuries with first aid. Keep cuts and abrasions covered when washing to keep radioactive material out of the wound.

• The basement or middle of the building is the safest place to shelter.
• Shut off ventilation systems and seal doors or windows until the fallout cloud has passed.

• Use stored food and drinking water. Do not eat local fresh food or drink water from open water supplies.
• Nursing women should use formula if available. If no formula is available, then nursing women should continue to breastfeed.
• Listen to the local radio and television for the most updated information.
• If you must go outside, cover your mouth and nose with a damp towel.

Radiation is invisible, but it is life threatening. Weather patterns can move radiation particles, and they can fall miles away from the original detonation site. These radiation particles may be also be referred to as a radiation plume, or fallout cloud.  Moving on foot, or in a vehicle exposes people to higher levels of radiation than staying in a safe, secure location inside.

For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Radiation Emergencies.

The following map shows possible health hazards from external doses of radiation for those who have not sheltered in place. The data is based on early projections using assumed size of the weapon and wind direction. The colors represent the different categories of health hazard to people in the area, as described below. Sheltering in place reduces the risk from exposure therefore this projection is not accurate for those indoors. For more information about the Radiation Hazard Scale, see https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/emergencies/radiationhazardscale.htm.