Which emergency number should be called in the event of a serious radiation incident?

In the event of a serious radiation incident, the most appropriate action is to contact local emergency services, such as 911 in the U.S. This is because emergency services are equipped to respond to a wide range of hazardous situations, including those involving radiation. They can quickly mobilize the necessary resources, including skilled personnel trained in hazardous materials response, medical assistance, and evacuation support.

Effective emergency response requires immediate action, and local emergency services can coordinate the response from various agencies, ensuring that the situation is managed swiftly and safely. Other options like the fire department, radiation safety office, or health department may have important roles, but they are generally not the first point of contact in an emergency where immediate help is required. Local emergency services are trained to handle urgent situations, ensuring that trained responders arrive on the scene as quickly as possible.