Fallout Lab publishes general information about survival and emergency preparedness. It is not medical, legal, engineering or other professional advice, and it does not replace instructions from emergency officials.
Official instructions come first
In a real emergency, follow instructions from local emergency management, public health officials and first responders. If someone is in danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Medical content
First-aid information on this site follows published guidance as of the review date shown on each page. Reading is not training. Take a hands-on course, such as a Stop the Bleed class or a Red Cross first aid course. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine, including potassium iodide, and never take antibiotics or other drugs without medical advice.
Estimates and models
Distances, doses, decay rates and timelines are estimates based on published models and data. Real events vary with weather, terrain, buildings and many other factors. Tools on this site, including the fallout decay calculator, are planning aids only.
No guarantees
We work to keep files accurate and current, but we cannot guarantee that every detail is complete or up to date. You use this information at your own risk.
External links
We link to outside sources so you can check our work. We are not responsible for their content.