Here's What To Do In Case Of A Nuclear Attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin¡¯s on Sunday ordered to place Russia¡¯s nuclear forces on high alert as tensions continue to escalate following his attack on Ukraine.

The move has unearthed fears many thought were permanently buried from the Cold War of the previous century, and we find ourselves once again in a world haunted by nightmares of Nuclear Armageddon.

Representational Image/iStock

Putin's nuclear threat reminded the world that any crisis, no matter how big or small, holds the potential for catastrophic consequences when nations armed with thermonuclear arsenals are involved.

This deeply worrying development underscores how high the global nuclear stakes have become in recent weeks. The war in Ukraine should be a wake-up call to everyone that nuclear dangers are real.

While nuclear war looks highly unlikely, we should be prepared for any eventuality.

A Twitter user, Phillip Nakov, shared Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines on how to stay safe during a nuclear explosion.

How to stay safe in the event of a nuclear explosion.

We only have #AdolfPutin to thank for making it necessary that we read this and prepare for the unthinkable. #nuclearwar = no winners pic.twitter.com/IXYwJ2Yd0e

¡ª Phillip Nakov (@PhillipNakov) February 27, 2022

How to prepare

As per FEMA, one should first identify the best shelter location near where you spend a lot of time, such as home, work, and school. The best locations are underground and in the middle of larger buildings.

While commuting, identify appropriate shelters to seek in the event of a detonation.

One should avoid outdoor areas, vehicles, mobile homes that do not provide adequate shelter. FEMA says that we should look for basements or the centre of large multistory buildings.

Representational Image/Beth Hoeckel

While finding an adequate shelter is important, equally significant is to have an Emergency Supply Kit. It should include bottled water, packaged foods, emergency medicines, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio to get information in case power is out a flashlight and extra batteries for essential items.

How to survive during an attack

If warned of an imminent attack, immediately get inside the nearest building and move away from windows. This will help provide protection from the blast, heat, and radiation of the detonation.

In case you happen to be outdoors when a detonation occurs, then you must immediately take cover from the blast behind anything that might offer protection. It's necessary to lie face down to protect your skin from being exposed to the heat and flying debris. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, if possible. If you are in a vehicle, stop safely, and duck down within the vehicle.

Representational Image/iStock

After the shock wave passes, get inside the nearest, best shelter location for protection from potential fallout. You will have 10 minutes or more to find an adequate shelter.

Be inside before the fallout arrives. The highest outdoor radiation levels from fallout occur immediately after the fallout arrives and then decrease with time.

Make sure you are updated with the information provided by emergency response officials. If advised to evacuate, listen for information about routes, shelters, and procedures.

What to do after the attack

You should try to remove your outer layer of contaminated clothing to remove fallout and radiation from your body. Again remember to not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth, if possible.

To remove fallout from skin or hair that wasn't covered during the attack, take a shower or wash with soap and water. If you cannot wash or shower, use a wipe or clean wet cloth to wipe skin or hair that was not covered.

EPA

It is safe to eat or drink packaged food items or items that were inside a building. Do not consume food or liquids that were outdoors uncovered and may be contaminated by fallout.

If you are sick or injured, listen for instructions on how and where to get medical attention when authorities tell you it is safe to exit.

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