Food, Drinking Water, and Medicine Safety in a Radiation Emergency

Key points

  • Foods and drinks that are sealed or that were already inside are safe.
  • Boiling tap water will not remove radioactive materials.
  • Washing and cleaning with tap water is still safe.
  • If your medication was inside, continue taking it. If the container was outside, wipe off the container and continue taking it.
Canned food, bottled water, backpack, first aid kit

Food safety

In a radiation emergency

  • Eat food in sealed containers (cans, bottles, boxes, etc.).
  • Unspoiled food in your refrigerator or freezer is also safe to eat.
  • Food in a pantry or drawer away from radioactive material is safe to eat.
  • Food in containers from the outside that have been wiped off is safe to eat.

Safety recommendations before eating

  • Wipe off counters, plates, pots, and utensils with a damp cloth or clean towel before using them.
  • Put the used cloth or towel in a plastic bag or other sealable container.
  • Place the bag away from other people and pets. Wash your hands after cleaning.
  • Do not pick or eat food from your garden until emergency officials determine it is safe to do so.

For information on ways to feed your baby during a radiation emergency, see Infant Feeding.

Pet food safety

The safety guidelines for pets are similar to the guidelines for people.

  • Pet food in sealed containers (cans, bottles, boxes) will be safe for animals to eat.
  • Food in containers from the outside that have been wiped off is safe to eat.
  • Wash or wipe off pet bowls, dishes, and mats with a damp cloth or clean towel before using them.
  • Put the used cloth or towel in a plastic bag or other sealable container.
  • Place the bag containing any used towels away from other people and pets.
  • Wash your hands after cleaning.

Water safety

Boiling tap water‎‎

Boiling tap water will not get rid of radioactive material. Keep bottled water as an emergency supply.

Public health, environmental protection or emergency management agencies will test drinking water supplies. They will make sure drinking water is safe. Bottled water is the only water that is free of contamination until emergency officials say that other water sources are safe.

Tap water is safe to use for decontamination or cleaning.

  • You can drink water, juices, or other drinks in sealed containers.
  • Drinks in your refrigerator or freezer are also safe to drink. The package protects the liquid inside from radioactive material.
  • If you think drink packaging may have radioactive material on the outside, use a damp cloth or clean towel to wipe off containers or packages before opening them.
  • Put the used cloth or towel in a plastic bag or other sealable container and place the bag and away from other people and pets.
  • Wash your hands after cleaning.
  • Water in other containers in your home, such as a toilet tank (not bowl) or hot water heater will also be free of radioactive material.
  • If those water sources are not available, then tap water should be used to stay hydrated.

Medication safety

Continue taking your medication. It is safe to consume medicine that was already inside or medicine in containers that were outside but have been wiped off.

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Content Source:
National Center for Environmental Health