Steps to avoid exposure to fallout, by TOMOKO OTAKE

Residents near the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture were ordered to evacuate Tuesday, raising concerns about radiation exposure.

Here are basic questions and answers on what to do when faced with possible radiation contamination:

I live within 20 to 30 km of the power plant. What should I do?

Masaharu Hoshi, professor at Hiroshima University's Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, advises residents in the evacuation zone to stay indoors, keep all doors and windows shut and keep fans and air conditioners off to prevent contaminated air from entering.

What if I have to go outside?

According to the National Institute of Radiological Science website, it is important for residents near the power plant to cover up and prevent skin exposure. At the same time, in order not to inhale radioactive material, cover your mouth and nose with a wet towel or handkerchief.

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