Purpose & Use of the Purpose & Use of the NukAlertNukAlert™ ™

PurposePurpose

• The NukAlert™ is the basis of a 24/7 radiological monitoring network covering Madison county. Several Hundred will be issued.

• NukAlerts are being placed in police/deputy cars; fire apparatus and garbage trucks throughout the county plus key buildings.

• NukAlerts would be at most serious incidents; travel all major roads and many minor routes everyday; and most other roads each week.

• In buildings, a NukAlert at the entry would monitor all who enter.

NukAlerts™ were provided under the Metropolitan Medical Response System, a DHS program.

CapabilityCapability• NukAlert™ - patented personal radiation meter, monitor and alarm.

• Warns you of the presence of unseen, but acutely dangerous levels of gamma and X-radiation.

• Small enough to attach to a key chain.

• Operates 24/7.

• 10 year battery.

• No On/Off switch or controls.

• Audible alarm – one to as many as 10 chirps.

Useful RangeUseful Range

• Useful Detection Range:  100 mR/hr to 50 R/hr,

• Metering:  100 mR/hr to 50 R/hr, in 10 ranges

• Increasing Chirp Rate:  more chirps = more radiation

• Alarm "chirps" corresponds to chart on back of device

LimitationsLimitations• Temperature Range: - 4° F to 122° F (-20° C  to  +50° C)

• The NukAlert™ sensor is affected by changes in temperature. The sensor becomes less sensitive while cooling and tends toward alarm (single chirp) while warming. Chirps stop at ambient temperature.

• Static electricity can cause a single chirp.

• DO NOT test the instrument by “nuking” it in a microwave oven. Microwaves are not nuclear radiation - your unit will be instantly destroyed and the warranty voided.

• RADAR guns will not set off a NukAlert™

Alarm SoundAlarm Sound

• Alarm is a bird-like chirp.

• The chirp tone sweeps through the audible range of frequencies that almost everyone can hear.

• The loudness is set at 61dBA.

What if it gets wet?What if it gets wet?

If the unit gets wet, simply dry it off – it is completely sealed. Even if water gets into the sound hole, it can’t get past the diaphragm into the unit.

How Do I Know It’s Working?How Do I Know It’s Working?

The electronics in a NukAlert™ produce a faint ticking sound which indicates normal operation.

• Place NukAlert™ by your ear. Listen for regular ticks about twice per second or double ticks every few seconds. Either of these ticking patterns indicates it’s functioning OK.

• If your unit is not ticking or is continuously alarming in the absence of radiation, contact EMA.

NukAlert Instructions - Cars & NukAlert Instructions - Cars & TrucksTrucks

1. Keep NukAlert high in vehicle cabin (e.g., visor rod or behind mirror) - it should always be in /near vehicle.

2. If NukAlert alarms - a chirp -, withdraw 100' then notify Supervisor.

Supervisors - Call Huntsville Fire & Rescue, 722-7120

For Questions - call EMA at 427-5130

NukAlert Instructions - Key NukAlert Instructions - Key BuildingsBuildings

1. Keep NukAlert near security inspection point-

it should always be near where people enter.

2. If NukAlert alarms - a chirp - notify Supervisor -

identify & isolate source - move item/person

outside, 100' away & detain for authorities.

Supervisors - Call Huntsville Fire & Rescue, 722-7120

For Questions - call EMA at 427-5130

Investigating an AlarmInvestigating an Alarm1. If a second NukAlert™ is available, see if it also alarms.2. Move NukAlert™ 25’ away from suspected source and then

back to source. If chirps stop when moved away & start again when moved back – have Supervisor call HF&R per instructions.

3. If multiple chirps – have Supervisor call HF&R per instructions.4. Ask person for details about why they are emitting radiation.5. Verify details.6. HF&R & EMA will respond with survey instruments & perform

a detailed survey.

Questions?Questions?Call EMA, 427-5130.

For info about the NukAlert™ , see http://www.nukalert.com/