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ON THE TSUNAMI

usa_gov_logo_nyreblog_com_.gifJapan 2011 Tsunami - U.S. Government Response

In the United States

Air Quality

The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for monitoring air quality in the United States. As the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has said as well as other public health experts, we do not expect to see radiation levels of concern reaching the U.S. from the damaged Japanese nuclear power plant.

The EPA has its radiation air monitoring (RadNet) data, frequently asked questions and other resources on http://www.epa.gov/japan2011/ . Here you can:

Food Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has deemed that based on current information, there is no risk to the U.S. food supply.

  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has jurisdiction over 80 percent of the food supply, including seafood, dairy and produce. USDA regulates meat, poultry and processed egg products, while FDA regulates all other food products.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture has stated that Japan has not exported any beef products to the United States for nearly a year.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture has stated that Japan is not currently eligible to export any poultry or processed egg products to the U.S.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Customs and Border Protection carefully screen all food products for unsafe substances, including radiological material at Ports of Entry.
  • Learn more about keeping food safe during an emergency .

Potassium Iodide (KI)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not recommend that people in the United States take potassium iodide supplements (also called KI) in response to the nuclear power plant explosion in Japan.

  • Only take KI on the advice of emergency management officials, public health officials, or your doctor.
  • There are health risks associated with taking KI.

Food, Mail, Ships, and Cargo from Japan

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is monitoring developments in Japan carefully and uses several types of radiation detection equipment in air and sea ports, mail facilities, and elsewhere to ensure safety.

  • CBP and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration carefully screen all food products for unsafe substances, including radiological material, at Ports of Entry.
  • All inbound travelers, baggage, and cargo are screened for radiological materials.
  • CBP employs radiation monitors at international mail facilities.

American Citizens In Japan

American Embassy in Japan

All U.S. citizens in Japan should continue to carefully monitor the situation and follow the guidance of the U.S. and Japanese governments.

Authorized Departures

The U.S. government has authorized the voluntary departure from Japan of eligible family members of U.S. government personnel assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the U.S. Consulate in Nagoya, the Foreign Service Institute Field School in Yokohama, and U.S. Forces Japan.

Evacuations

Travel to and from Japan

The State Department strongly urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to Japan at this time and those in Japan should consider departing.

Disaster Preparedness

The tragic events in Japan remind us that disasters can strike at any time. The best way to make sure your family is taken care of when disaster strikes is to be prepared.

Donations & Relief Efforts

  • Donate - Your donation to the American Red Cross will support disaster relief efforts in Japan.
  • Text your Donation
    • Red Cross - Redcross to 90999
    • Convoy of Hope - Tsunami to 50555
    • GlobalGiving - Japan to 50555
    • World Relief Corp. - Wave to 50555
    • Project HOPE - Health to 90999
    • Operation Blessing - Bless to 50555
    • Southeast - VOA to 27722

Technical Assistance to Japan

The United States has deployed highly skilled teams to Japan, along with 17,200 pounds of equipment, to conduct aerial and ground monitoring, provide technical assistance, and help Japan track and assess the impact of the situation a the Fukushima nuclear power plants. This includes both Aerial Monitoring Systems and Consequence Management Teams from the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, which have unique skills, expertise and equipment to help assess, survey, monitor and sample areas for radiation.

Nuclear experts from the Department of Energy and the independent U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission are also providing advice, analysis and technical assistance to the Japanese government.

Learn more about the assistance and expertise that the U.S. Department of Energy is providing to Japanese response and recovery efforts.

Learn more about the U.S. Agency for International Development's Disaster Assistance Response .

Additional Information

  • Earthquake in Japan - See facts from the U.S. Geological Survey about the 9.0 earthquake.
  • Earthquake Preparedness and Response - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide helpful tips on how to prepare for an earthquake and what to do during a quake.
  • Earthquakes, Flooding, and Radiation - The National Institutes of Health provides information and resources about natural disasters and their effects.
  • Tsunami Health Effects - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe the immediate, secondary, and long-term health effects of a tsunami.
  • Tsunami Preparedness - The Federal Emergency Management Agency explains what a tsunami is and provides guidance on what to do during a tsunami watch or warning.
  • Radiation - Read about the assistance and expertise that the U.S. Department of Energy is providing to Japanese response and recovery efforts.
  • Food Safety - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service provides guidance on food safety in the event of a tsunami.
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