A radioactive contamination threat, from such sources as a "dirty bomb", a "radiological dispersion device (RDD)", or radioactive contaminant leaks from a nuclear power facility can cause great concern, but reacting calmly is your number one defense. In the case of dirty bombs and RDDs, a deliberate attempt is made to set off common explosives that spread radioactive materials over a targeted area; they are not a nuclear blast because the force of the explosion and radioactive contamination will be more localized. In the case of a nuclear power plant radioactive contaminant leak, the leak will usually be triggered by an accident, and the extent of the leak will be dependent on the force behind the rupture, the weather patterns, the location of the plant, and other factors.
While a blast will be immediately obvious, the presence and extent of leaks and radiation will not be clearly defined until trained personnel with specialized equipment are on the scene. As with any radiation, you will need to try to limit your exposure immediately. In particular, it is important to avoid breathing radiological dust that may be released in the air.
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