The discussion of nuclear, biochemical or other manmade disasters is very relevant and appropriate to the goals of this site. I apologise to all if anyone gave impressions to the contrary. It is a subject we do need to discuss and learn about. ETS is not a static endeavor with a parochial agenda. Please just remember to leave the tinfoil hats in the black helicopters <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I agree.

If i gave that impression as well I am sorry. I just think that the surplus geiger counter approach is a bad idea. Radiation is something we have been taught to fear and the sight of a clicking counter can do more harm than good.

I think this would be a situation where you need to rely on experts to tell you when to go and what direction to go in order avoid more severely contaminated areas.

The basic course I took showed that just sampling one area and performing the required math afterwards was very involved for a layman. There is no way that one person can map an escape route in this type of event.

Chris

To All:
My profound apology for my rant like response. Again both Chris K. and Chris T. are MUCH more articulate.

Craig J. in Wisconsin

some interesting links on this topic where good information from knowledgeable people can be found
I haven't read much of this stuff and there is probably a bunch of overlap in the information. I would suggest starting with the FEMA information, my experience is that thier information is actually actionable rather than theoretical or overly complex.

for responders

from US fema

US EPA



World Health Organization

To learn more

US Department of Justice

and this from Oak Ridge National Labs (1987) Nuclear War Survival Skills <img src="images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Chris:

Many thanks for this post and your clarification of goals of the site. I don't know anything about tinfoil hats or black helicopters, but I do know a little something about what the media is reporting from the newspaper I read every morning. For example, Washington Post - "Terror Attack Steps Urged". I'm pretty sure that Woodward and Bernstein's newspaper doesn't go for fringe paranoia stories, so I figure that if a mainstream paper is covering radiological threats, there must be something to it.

My interest is knowledge applicable to my situation and it would appear that this is the site for information relevant to my interest. I suspect that mainstream media's taking up the banner of preparedness is something the participants of this website applaud, especially since it has led to increased readership and participation.

Again, many thanks. I greatly value your advice, Chris, and I look forward to learning more from you and others with something relevant to add to the discussions. I hope I never have to use the knowledge I've gained here, but if I do I will not forget where I got it!

"atty_guy"

A few more articles from The Washington Post :

"Vague Fears Real Concerns"

"Threat Data Deemed Specific"

Some of what we hear may not be accurate:

ABC News - False Alarm?