Nuclear explosions are a terrifying prospect, but being prepared can make all the difference. The first few moments after a nuclear blast are crucial. Quick action can save your life and the lives of those around you. Remember, knowledge is power, and in this case, it could be the difference between life and death. Obviously, we hope that we never need this information and that we never experience anything so terrible as a nuclear blast. But I’m of the opinion that it’s better to know what to do and never need the knowledge than to desperately need the knowledge and not have it. The same goes for critical supplies.
Get Inside Fast
The moment you see the flash or hear the blast, you need to get inside the nearest building. I can’t stress this enough – every second counts. Aim for a basement or the center of a large building. The goal is to put as much dense material between you and the outside as possible. Concrete, brick, and earth are your best friends right now. Don’t waste time gathering belongings; your life is more important than any possession.
Drop and Cover
Once inside, drop to the ground and cover your head. I always tell folks to imagine they’re a turtle retreating into its shell. Get under a sturdy table or desk if you can. This protects you from falling debris and reduces your exposure to initial radiation. Stay in this position for at least a minute after the blast wave hits. Trust me, that minute will feel like an eternity, but it could save your life.
Close All Windows and Doors
After the initial shock wave, quickly close and lock all windows and doors. Seal them as best you can with duct tape or plastic sheeting. I keep a roll of duct tape in every room of my house for this very reason. This helps prevent radioactive particles from entering your shelter. Remember, your goal is to create a barrier between you and the outside world.
Turn Off Ventilation Systems
Immediately shut down any ventilation systems in the building. This includes air conditioners, heaters, and fans. You want to prevent outside air from circulating inside. I’ve rigged my systems to shut off automatically in case of an emergency, but if you can’t do that, know where your controls are so you can act fast.
Check for Injuries
Once you’re in a relatively safe spot, check yourself and others for injuries. Treat any wounds immediately to prevent infection. Remember, in a post-nuclear scenario, even small injuries can become life-threatening due to limited medical resources. I always keep a well-stocked first aid kit in my shelter for situations like this. I also highly recommend you take a comprehensive first aid course so you’re prepared for any medical emergency.
Remove Contaminated Clothing
If you were outside during the blast, remove your outer layer of clothing carefully, minimizing how much you touch the outside of your clothing. This can remove up to 90% of radioactive material. Place the clothes in a sealed plastic bag and keep it as far away as possible. I’ve practiced this drill, and let me tell you, it’s harder than it sounds when you’re in a panic. Stay calm and methodical.
Shower or Wipe Down
If possible, take a shower with lots of soap and water. Don’t scrub hard – you don’t want to break your skin. If a shower isn’t available, use wet wipes or a damp cloth to clean exposed skin areas. Pay special attention to your hair and fingernails where particles can hide. I keep radiation decontamination wipes in my emergency kit for this exact purpose. Special tip: Do not use hair conditioner, and it can actually make radioactive particles cling to your hair rather than washing them away.
Tune Into Emergency Broadcasts
Turn on a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and tune into emergency broadcasts. This is your lifeline to the outside world. You’ll receive crucial information about the extent of the damage, radiation levels, and evacuation orders. I have several emergency radios stashed around my property, each with spare batteries.
Take Potassium Iodide If Instructed
If emergency broadcasts recommend it, take potassium iodide tablets. These help protect your thyroid from radioactive iodine. But don’t take them unless instructed – they’re not a radiation cure-all. I keep a supply in my med kit, but I hope I never have to use them.
Assess Your Food and Water Situation
Take stock of your food and water supplies. Sealed food is safe to eat. For water, stick to bottled water or water from sealed containers. If you must drink tap water, let it run for a minute before collecting it to flush out potentially contaminated water. I recommend keeping at least a month’s worth of non-perishable food and water in your shelter.
Create a Clean Room
Designate one room as your “clean room.” This should be the most interior room with the fewest windows. Use it for sleeping and spending most of your time. I’ve prepared a room in my basement for this purpose, stocked with supplies and entertainment to keep us occupied during long waits.
Stay Informed About Radiation Levels
Keep listening to emergency broadcasts for information about radiation levels. Don’t go outside until authorities say it’s safe. Radiation levels usually drop quickly in the first few hours, but it might take days or weeks before it’s safe to leave the shelter. I’ve got a Geiger counter, but unless you know how to use one properly, it’s best to rely on official information.
Plan for Extended Shelter Time
Prepare to stay sheltered for at least 24 hours, possibly up to several weeks. This is where your emergency supplies come in handy. Ration your food and water carefully. I’ve got board games, books, and other entertainment items in my shelter to help pass the time and keep morale up.
Help Others If Safe
If it’s safe and you’re able, help others who may be injured or trapped. But remember, your safety comes first. You can’t help others if you become a victim yourself. I’ve trained in first aid and rescue techniques, and I encourage everyone to do the same.
Prepare for Evacuation
Be ready to evacuate if authorities instruct you to do so. Have a bug-out bag prepared with essentials like food, water, medications, and important documents. Know your evacuation route and have a meet-up plan with your family. My family and I have regular drills to make sure we’re all on the same page if we need to leave quickly.
