What You Need to Know if a Radiological Event Occurs in Your Area

Broadcast meteorologists are increasingly being asked by newsrooms to use their scientific expertise to add value and proper perspective to stories involving science, technology, natural disasters, and the environment. One of those stories involves radiological disasters. Would you know what to say if a truck in your area carrying radioactive medical waste from a hospital was involved in a devastating crash, releasing this waste onto a busy city street? What would you tell your audience about the radiological risks if a "dirty bomb" exploded near your area? The AMS, the AMS Committee on the Station Scientist, and the CDC have been working together to assemble a comprehensive resource package of information for easy and instant access by broadcast meteorologists. This paper will discuss this project, and how you can acquire this important information.