Purpose & Use of the NukAlert™

Purpose 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.

Capability 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 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

Limitations 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 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? 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? 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 & Trucks 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, For Questions - call EMA at

NukAlert Instructions - Key Buildings 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, For Questions - call EMA at

Investigating an Alarm 1.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? Call EMA, For info about the NukAlert™, see