Crisis communication and information management expert, Major General of the Rescue Service, and President of the “Emergency Channel” Information NGO, Nikolay Grigoryan, calls on responsible government agencies to be ready - and to prepare the population - to withstand the radiation threat looming over our region due to the Israel-Iran conflict.
Nikolay Grigoryan posts:
"If I were coordinating our country’s crisis communication and public awareness system:**
1. First and foremost,** I would place on the desks of state and local self-government bodies — and remind them of — the National Plan for Population Protection in the Event of Nuclear and Radiation Accidents at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, adopted back in 2005, the Law on Civil Protection adopted in 2002 and the draft amendment, tabled in the National Assembly since 2022, which not only clearly defines the powers of local self-government bodies but also provides for the creation of a permanent monitoring system for radiation, chemical, and biological situations.
2. The State Committee for Nuclear Safety Regulation under the Government of Armenia, the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Department of the Armenian Armed Forces, the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Situation Monitoring Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Rescue Service, as well as Hydromet, should carry out monitoring from the Syunik border all the way to the border with Georgia.
3. On behalf of the Government, I would appeal to the IAEA, the European Union, NATO, and the CSTO, informing various countries of our concerns — even submitting a detailed and concrete list of needed assistance, first and foremost requesting potassium iodide.
Nikolay Grigoryan also provides a public guide on how to protect oneself in case of a radiation hazard:
STAY INDOORS I
Immediately go inside a closed space — your home or a building.
Tightly close all doors and windows.
Turn off ventilation systems and air conditioners.
If wind is coming through the windows, seal them with cloth or adhesive tape.
FOLLOW RULES WHILE INDOORS
Stay away from windows and doors.
If possible, move to the inner part of the building — a corridor or basement.
PROTECT YOUR SKIN AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
If going outside is unavoidable:
Wear long-sleeved, closed clothing.
Cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth or mask.
Upon returning home, remove your clothing outside and wash your body.
WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK
Do not consume food stored outdoors.
Choose only food with closed packaging.
Drink only bottled or tap water.
Do not use water from open reservoirs, wells, or rainwater.
LISTEN TO OFFICIAL INFORMATION
PREPARE ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES
Water (at least 2 liters per person per day)
Non-perishable food
Medications, first aid kit
In case of radioactive contamination: iodine-containing preparations — only as instructed by state authorities.
Flashlight, batteries, communication devices
Remember: RADIATION CANNOT BE SEEN, TASTED, OR SMELLED — BUT ITS EFFECTS ARE VERY DANGEROUS.
Ministry of Internal Affairs emergency hotline: 911
June 23, 2025 at 14:59