I assume that the fallout maps show the amount of radiation you would recieve if you were standing outside for a prolonged period of time.

How much protection would your average home give you? Would a basement offer only limited protection? I'm sure its not much, but there would be some protection against direct exposure such as that from inhalling fallout particals as they fall and minimal protection from indirect radiation as the walls of the home would absorb some of the radioactivity.

And how quickly would the radiation levels drop off? Would it be safe to go outside after 3 or 4 weeks or are we talking years?

I hope it never comes to that...but then thats why it is so important that we stop the terrorists now, and perpetually into the future.

Thanks for making my day...

Scott