Page:Survival Under Atomic Attack.djvu/28

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WATCH OUT FOR FOOD CONTAMINATION AFTER GROUND OR WATER BURSTS. ground bursts or mist from underwater bursts might have settled on them. And before opening canned or bottled goods, wash the outside of the containers thoroughly. That will remove most of the pollution that may have gotten on them. Also be sure that all cooking utensils and tableware are scrubbed clean in order to remove any invisible, radioactive dusts. Food and utensils that were in closed drawers or tight cupboards will be all right.

If it was an air burst, don't worry about the food in the house. It will be safe to use.

WATER IN THE PIPES OF YOUR HOUSE AT THE TIME OF EXPLOSION WILL NOT BE RADIOACTIVE. Be careful of drinking water after atomic explosions. There is little or no chance that water actually inside household pipes at the time of attack will be made radioactive. If a little is drawn off right after the burst and placed in clean containers with covers, it should tide you over the immediate post-raid period.

But even if the water continues running, don't keep on using tap water for drinking purposes unless you have received official information that the city system is safe. This is not only because of radioactivity, but because of other dangers like typhoid that can come from damaged water systems. BOIL WATER BEFORE DRINKING UNLESS YOU'VE BEEN OFFICIALLY TOLD IT IS SAFE. If you have to use city water before you get official information, boil it. Boiling won't remove radioactivity, but the chances that your water supply will be radioactive are pretty slim. Boiling will kill most germs that may get into damaged water mains.

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