What is it and why you should avoid it
If a nuclear bomb were headed toward the US from Russia, and if residents were immediately warned of the attack, it’s estimated they would have about 30 minutes or less to shelter. That means that in a worst-case scenario there is no time to plan in the moment.
The number of casualties depends on the size of the weapon, where it’s detonated, and how many people are upwind of the blast, but a single nuclear weapon could potentially result in hundreds of thousands of immediate deaths in a major city. Russia's nuclear arsenal, by the way, is reportedly capable of striking almost anywhere on the planet.
Irwin Redlener, a public health expert at Columbia University who specializes in disaster preparedness, told Insider that the best way to learn of an impending nuclear attack would likely be TV or radio. You might also hear loud sirens ringing out.
The US Disaster and Emergency website describes a nuclear explosion as being caused by a device that uses a nuclear reaction to create an explosion. Ranging from small portable devices to a weapon carried by a huge missile, nuclear devices can cause significant damage in more ways than one.
The blinding brightness, the force of the blast wave, the radiation damaging cells, the fire and heat that can cause injury and destruction, the electromagnetic pulse that can knock out electronics, and the radioactive dirt and debris raining down—called fallout—are all dangers a nuclear blast poses.
Survivors of a nuclear attack reportedly have about 15 minutes before the grains of nuclear fallout reach the ground. Exposure to these particles can result in radiation poisoning, which can damage the body's cells and potentially be fatal.
Redlener advises looking for shelter in the opposite direction of fallen buildings and in the direction away from the wind. If you aren’t near any known shelters, try to get as far away from the blast as you can within 10-15 minutes, then immediately take shelter to avoid the descending radiation cloud.
If you are in a vehicle when a blast goes off, come to a safe stop and duck down within the vehicle. It’s important that you don’t stay there for too long, however.
In addition to taking cover behind anything that might offer protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends dropping to the ground with your face down and tucking your hands under your body to protect from flying debris and burning heat. If you have a scarf, cover your nose and mouth with it. You’ll also want to keep your mouth open to help ensure that your eardrums don’t burst from the pressure.
Outdoor areas, vehicles, and mobile homes are not adequate shelter, the US government stresses. Instead, go to brick or concrete buildings like schools or offices with few to no windows, and ideally a basement for camping out. If there aren’t sturdy buildings around, still try to get indoors and away from windows.
If you take cover in a multistory building, try to stay in the center of it, especially if it has windows, and steer clear of the top and bottom floors. Shock waves can shatter windows up to 10 miles (16 km) away from an explosion, which is why it’s important to stay away from windows.
Where you are in the first 24 hours after a blast is critical for reducing radiation exposure and thus critical for your health. While some levels of radiation damage are treatable, there comes a point where nothing can be done, Kathryn Higley, a professor of nuclear science at Oregon State University, told Insider.
If you were outside during the blast or after the fallout arrived, remove all your contaminated clothing as soon as possible. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wipe the exposed skin clean, but do not use disinfectant wipes on your skin.
People who were outside during an explosion should shower as soon as possible. Use warm water and apply soap gently, as scrubbing too hard could break your skin, which is your natural protective barrier. Cover any cuts or abrasions while rinsing, and if washing isn’t possible, use a clean wet cloth to wipe any skin or hair that was exposed.
Using things like conditioner, body lotion, or face cream after exposure to a nuclear blast can reportedly bind the products to radioactive particles and trap them in your skin and hair.
Until you’re told to go outside, you should stay in your shelter for at least 24 hours so that the risk of contamination can sufficiently decrease.
The CDC recommends sealing contaminated layers of clothing in a plastic bag, along with any tissues or cloths used to wipe your body or face.
Make sure you blow your nose, and wipe your ears, eyelids, and any spots where debris might get stuck. Don’t forget to clean any pets that were outside after the fallout arrived by gently brushing their coat and washing them with soap and water.
If you’re in a shared shelter, keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household. If possible, wear a mask if you're sheltering with people who are not a part of your household.
It's safe to eat from sealed containers like packages, bottles, or cans, as well as things that were in sealed places like your pantry or refrigerator, but the CDC recommends wiping off containers, cookware, counters, and utensils first. You certainly shouldn’t eat anything left uncovered, such as fruits or veggies from a garden, because of their exposure to fallout.
Though you might want to reunite with your loved ones immediately, the priority is that everyone stays safe and uncontaminated in the first 24 hours following a blast. After that period, you can reunite and avoid exposure to dangerous radiation.
Though cell phones, television, and internet may be disrupted, it’s important to stay tuned in for official information, such as when it is safe to exit and where you should go. Battery-operated and hand-crank radios are a safe bet in an emergency nuclear situation.
Keep your living area in the shelter clean and disinfect frequently-touched items such as toys, cell phones, and other surfaces. Avoid touching high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, as much as possible, and wash your hands frequently.
Though we can’t live our lives preparing for impending doom, there are small things we can do to be prepared for the worst-case scenario like identifying shelter locations in the areas you frequent. You can also prepare an Emergency Supply Kit with things like bottled water, packaged foods, medications, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and a change of clothes.
During these stressful times, try to stay connected with loved ones to help manage the stress and trauma. Even without a nuclear blast going off, it’s essential to take care of our mental health under so many looming threats to our safety. And remember: you’re not alone in this!
Sources: (Insider) (CDC) (Marca) (Ready.gov)
See also: How to stay calm under pressure
The potential for radiation exposure decreases 55% an hour after an explosion and 80% after 24 hours, according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, which is why it’s essential to find shelter as soon as possible.
When a nuclear bomb strikes, it sets off an immense flash of light and a giant orange fireball.
You should immediately cover your eyes to make sure you aren’t temporarily blinded by the light. According to Insider, a 1-megaton bomb could temporarily blind people up to 13 miles (21 km) away on a clear day and up to 53 miles (85 km) away on a clear night.
Disaster experts have started to share their advice should a bomb go off, particularly as they say the minutes and hours following a blast are extremely critical in determining your survival.
Click through the gallery to find out what to do if a worst-case nuclear scenario actually happens.
Surviving a nuclear blast: essential tips for safety
What to do if a worst-case nuclear scenario actually happens
LIFESTYLE Nuclear
Amid increasing tensions with world nuclear powers, the threat of a blast is scarily becoming more and more plausible. Of course, no one wants to think about a nuclear blast actually going off, but it’s always better to be equipped with the knowledge in case an unhinged world leader with too much power teeters a degree in the wrong direction and sets off on this terrible, nightmarish path.
Disaster experts have started to share their advice should a bomb go off, particularly as they say the minutes and hours following a blast are extremely critical in determining your survival.
Click through the gallery to find out what to do if a worst-case nuclear scenario actually happens.