How to Survive a Nuclear Attack

How to Survive a Nuclear Attack

You will learn about

Nuclear Blast

A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave, and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water, and ground surfaces for miles around. A nuclear device can range from a weapon carried by an intercontinental missile, to a small portable nuclear device transported by an individual. All nuclear devices cause deadly effects when exploded.

Hazards of Nuclear Devices

The danger of a massive strategic nuclear attack on the United States is predicted by experts to be less likely today. However, terrorism, by nature, is unpredictable.

In general, potential targets include

Strategic missile sites and military bases.

Centers of government such as Washington, DC, and state capitals.

Important transportation and communication centers.

Manufacturing, industrial, technology, and financial centers.

Petroleum refineries, electrical power plants, and chemical plants.

Major ports and airfields.

and other.

Before a Nuclear Blast

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of a nuclear blast.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Make a Family Emergency Plan.

Find out from officials if any public buildings in your community have been designated as fallout shelters.

If your community has no designated fallout shelters, make a list of potential shelters near your home, workplace and school, such as basements, subways, tunnels, or the windowless center area of middle floors in a high-rise building.

During periods of heightened threat increase your disaster supplies to be adequate for up to two weeks.

During a Nuclear Blast

The following are guidelines for what to do in the event of a nuclear explosion.

After a Nuclear Blast

People in most of the areas that would be affected could be allowed to come out of shelter within a few days and, if necessary, evacuate to unaffected areas. The heaviest fallout would be limited to the area at or downwind from the explosion. It might be necessary for those in the areas with highest radiation levels to shelter for up to a month.

Returning to Your Home

Remember the following when returning home:

Keep listening to the radio and television for news about what to do, where to go and places to avoid.

Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away from areas marked “radiation hazard” or “HAZMAT.”

Shareables

Nuclear Attack

Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation

American Red Cross

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Radiation Emergencies

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

AND MORE IMPORTANT