Replies

For what it's worth - using plastic sheeting and duct tape is pretty standard defense against airborn poison and radiactive dust. From what I've read, using it to create in home shelters is SOP in Israel where they've been worried about this for sometime.

The fallout from a "dirty" bomb is going to be primarily dust laced with plutonium - an alpha particle emitter. Alphas are big and slow and can be stopped with just about anything - but you really don't want them inside you.

The idea of sheeting and tape to seal up a room or two inside the house until the dust cloud disperses makes a lot of sense. I think it's called "shelter in place". You might try searching the Internet for that term.

I'm more concerned that goverment is finally talking about the specifics of the threat. I'm getting increasingly worried. I spent the morning talking to my sister on her cell-phone while she went shopping to pick up some plastic drop cloths and a couple of rolls of duct tape. She has four little kids. (She picked up some extra water jugs and and flashlights as well. If nothing else, we're going to have a great time camping this summer.)

She said no one else was buying anything like that today - but people were sure paying attention to CNN on the TV in the store.

For what it's worth - using plastic sheeting and duct tape is pretty standard defense against airborn poison and radiactive dust. From what I've read, using it to create in home shelters is SOP in Israel where they've been worried about this for sometime.

In other words, good defense against the kinds of weapons terrorists are least likely to have. The only protection against modern chemical and biological agents is complete airtight protection and air recirculation; in other words, a full body suit and gas mask, or a sealed residence with some kind of air filtration system.

Otherwise, if you can seal off the air in your house enough to protect yourself, you will also suffocate. The only real prepardness in that case would be to have a real shelter with air filtration. Otherwise, the only option is to get out of the affected area, if possible.

Not that I believe these "warnings"; just as the Dems play politics with foreign policy, so do the Republicans. Bush's administration has been milking 911 for all it's worth. Giving endless scare-mongering but useless "warnings" serves to ratchet up the tension and to keep people convinced that war abroad and a police state at home are the only options left to them.

Don't forget that Honeywell air filtration system as well. Thye filter down to .1 microns in some cases.

My theory is it never hurts to be prepared. If we had to, we could seal off the little mother-in-law apartment in our cellar and stay there. It has a kitchenette and a bathroom and a small area for a living room/bedroom. It hasn't got a heating system except for an electric heater so if the electricity went off it wouldn't be much fun. We could also seal off the kitchen and dining room upstairs. The bathroom is right there, too, plus a Jotul stove (small but practical). I feel better being at this house than I did in the apartment, though. Gotta go get some duct tape and plastic sheeting this weekend...I do believe in being prepared even if you never use it.

The idea of sheeting and tape to seal up a room or two inside the house until the dust cloud disperses makes a lot of sense. I think it's called "shelter in place".
You might try searching the Internet for that term.
From a Google search for "shelter +in place",

here is something from the US fedgov's Centers for Disease Conrtol and Prevention:

Sheltering in Place During a Radiation Emergency
With recent terrorist events, many people have wondered about the possibility of a terrorist attack involving radioactive materials. People who live near but not in the immediate area of the attack may be asked to stay home and take shelter rather than try to evacuate. This action is called “sheltering in place.” Because many radioactive materials rapidly decay and dissipate, staying in your home may protect your from exposure to radiation. The thick walls of your home may block much of the harmful radiation. Taking a few simple precautions can help you reduce your exposure to radiation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has prepared this fact sheet to help you protect yourself and your family and to help you prepare a safe and well-stocked shelter.
Preparing a Shelter in Your Home
The safest place in your home during an emergency involving radioactive materials is a centrally located room or basement. This area should have as few windows as possible. The further your shelter is from windows, the safer you will be.
Preparation is the key. Store emergency supplies in this area. An emergency could happen at any time, so it is best to stock supplies in advance and have everything that you need stored in the shelter.
Every 6 months, check the supplies in your shelter. Replace any expired medications, food, or batteries. Also, replace the water in your shelter every 6 months to keep it fresh.
Make sure that all family members know where the shelter is and what it is for. Caution them not to take any items from that area. If someone “borrows” items from your shelter, you may find that important items are missing when they are most needed.
If you have pets, prepare a place for them to relieve themselves in the shelter. Pets should not go outside during a radiation emergency because they may track radioactive materials from fallout into the shelter. Preparing a place for pets will keep the radioactive materials from getting inside the shelter.
Preparing Emergency Supplies
Stock up on supplies, just as you would in case of severe weather conditions or other emergencies. Following is a list of things to consider when preparing your emergency kit.

Food with a long shelf life – Examples of this include canned, dried, and packaged food products. Store enough food for each member of the household for at least 3 days.
Water – In preparation for an emergency, purchase and store bottled water or simply store water from the tap. Each person in the household will need about 1 gallon per day; plan on storing enough water for at least 3 days.
A change of clothes and shoes – Check clothing every 6 months and remove clothes that no longer fit or are unsuitable for seasonal weather. Remember to include underwear, socks, sturdy shoes or work boots, and winter or summer clothes as needed.
Paper plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils – Store disposable dishware and utensils because you will not have enough water to wash dishes and because community water sources may be contaminated.
Plastic bags – Because you may not be able to leave your shelter for several days, you will need to collect your waste in plastic bags until it can be removed.
Bedding – Store sheets, blankets, towels, and cots for use during the time that you cannot leave your shelter.
Battery-operated radio and batteries – Electrical power may not be on for several days. A battery-operated radio will allow you to listen to emergency messages.
Medicines – Be sure to store a few days’ supply of any prescription medicines that your family takes. Check medicines every 6 months and rotate the prescriptions so that you always have a fresh supply in your shelter.
Toiletries – Keep a supply of soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, deodorant, disinfectants, etc.
Flashlight and batteries – Electrical power may be out for several days. A flashlight will help you see in your shelter.
A telephone or cell phone – Although cell phone or ground phone service may be interrupted, there is still a chance that you will be able to use a phone to call outside for information and advice from emergency services.
Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses and cleaning supplies.
Duct tape and heavy plastic sheeting – You can use these items to seal the door to your shelter and to seal any vents that open into your shelter.
Pet food, baby formula, diapers, etc. – Don’t forget the other members of your family. If you have an infant, store extra formula and diapers. If you have pets keep a 3-day supply of pet food.
First aid kit – You can purchase a first-aid kit or prepare one yourself. Be sure to include the following items:

Sterile adhesive bandages
Sterile gauze pads in 2 inch and 4 inch sizes
Adhesive tape
Sterile rolled bandages
Scissors
Tweezers
Needle
Thermometer
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic ointment
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Soap or hand sanitizer
Latex or vinyl gloves
Safety pins
Aspirin or aspirin free pain reliever
Antidiarrhea medication
Laxatives
Antacids for stomach upset
Syrup of ipecac to cause vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center
Activated charcoal to stop vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center

Games, books and other entertainment – Because you may be in your shelter for several days, keep items on hand to occupy your family during that time. Children are likely to get bored if they have to stay in one place for long periods. Think of activities that they will enjoy doing while in the shelter – finger painting, coloring, playing games, etc.

Tips Before Entering a Shelter
If you are outside when the alert is given, try to remove clothing and shoes and place them in a plastic bag before entering the house. During sever weather, such as extreme cold, remove at least the outer layer of clothes before entering the home to avoid bringing radioactive material into your shelter. Leave clothing and shoes outside. Shower and wash your body with soap and water. Removing clothing will eliminate 90% of radioactive contamination. By taking this simple step, you will reduce the time that you are exposed and also your risk of injury from the radiation.
Before entering the shelter, turn off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heating units that bring air in from the outside. Close and lock all windows and doors, and close fireplace dampers.
When you move to your shelter, use duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal any doors, windows, or vents.
Keep your radio tuned to an emergency response network at all times for updates on the situation. The announcers will provide information about when you may leave your shelter and whether you need to take other emergency measures.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.

Your sister is taking the right path. I live in Florida, and it's not that every Hurricane hits, but when one does, it's great to be prepared. This is the same. Get the water, extra food, tape, etc.

I'm more concerned that government is finally talking about the specifics of the threat. I'm getting increasingly worried. I spent the morning talking to my sister on her cellphone while she went shopping to pick up some plastic drop cloths and a couple of rolls of duct tape. She has four little kids. (She picked up some extra water jugs and flashlights as well. If nothing else, we're going to have a great time camping this summer.)