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The likelihood of a nuclear attack is not discussed nearly as much as it was during the Cold War, but, unfortunately, it is still a possibility. If you're concerned about what to do if a nuclear bomb is dropped, this guide will show you how to survive a nuclear attack.
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The likelihood of a nuclear attack is not discussed nearly as much as it was during the Cold War, but, unfortunately, it is still a possibility. If you're concerned about what to do if a nuclear bomb is dropped, this guide will show you how to survive a nuclear attack.
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Introduction
- Although the proliferation of nuclear weapons is not increasing at the same rate as it was during the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, there are still many countries that continue to develop nuclear technology. As of 2006, there were an estimated 27,000 nuclear warheads located throughout the world, many of which could be detonated at any moment. If a nuclear attack does occur, knowing what to do will greatly increase your chances of survival.
Step 1: Prepare
- Although a nuclear attack could quite possibly occur without any warning, if you do have any advance notice of the attack, take the following steps:
Gather Supplies
- Gather as much clean water as you can
- Collect non-perishable food items
- Make sure you have alternate sources of light (battery-powered flashlights, candles, etc.)
- Get a battery-powered radio so that you can stay informed about the latest developments
- If you don't already have one, create a first-aid kit and stock it with basic supplies
Where to Go
- If you have time, evacuate the area
- If evacuation is not an option, plan to take shelter:
- If you can, find a fallout shelter
- A basement or other below-ground area is another good place to take shelter
- If you do not have a basement, take refuge in a room without windows
- If you are in a high-rise building that does not have a basement, take shelter in a room above the ninth floor
- If you have time, place furniture, boxes, bricks and any other heavy materials against the walls to make a heavier barrier between yourself and the outside
- Ensure that your shelter is free from objects that could fall and cause injury
Step 2: During and After the Blast
- To avoid and reduce the harm caused by the initial impact of a nuclear bomb and the fallout and radiation that follow, you want to separate yourself from the nuclear environment as much as possible. If a nuclear weapon does happen to detonate near you:
- Avoid looking at the blast
- Keep your mouth open to prevent your ear drums from bursting from the pressure caused by the blast
- Try to keep as much of your body covered with clothing; if you can, also cover your nose and mouth
- Duck and cover; if possible, take shelter in a basement, and then crawl beneath a heavy table
- If you have not been able to find shelter, get away from the point of impact and out of the area of initial fallout (the "mushroom cloud") as quickly as you can. If you're not sure which way to go, survey the area and move toward areas of least destruction, ensuring that you are moving downwind or crosswind from the blast. Try to get at least one mile from the initial fallout area and then seek shelter
- If you have been exposed to nuclear radiation, decontaminate yourself as soon as possible. Take a decontamination shower and change your clothing if possible
- Turn your radio on and listen for instructions from authorities. Remain sheltered for two to three days to allow the fallout and radiation to dissipate
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