WW3 nuclear survival guide: Experts’ one top tip to live through critical first 10 minutes
As fears of World War 3 grow, many are wondering what they would do in the event of a nuclear blast. Here’s what experts say you should do
Many are uneasy about the prospect of nuclear war as tensions between Russian and Nato increase (Image: DM)
Global tensions are escalating, sparking fears of a potential World War III.
The relationship between Russia and NATO is increasingly strained, with President Vladimir Putin accused of “aggressive posturing” over Western airspace. On the morning of 21st September, Germany’s air force had to scramble two Eurofighter jets to intercept a Russian IL-20 military plane that had entered neutral airspace over the Baltic Sea, before handing responsibility to Swedish NATO allies, according to official statements.
Peace advocacy groups have pinpointed specific countries that could serve as safe havens due to their geographical positioning, commitment to military neutrality, and overall stability; they’re also providing advice on protective measures in the event of a nuclear detonation. This news follows reports of how Putin gives chilling nuclear weapons warning as he issues new countdown.
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) advises that “adequate preparation and appropriate response to a nuclear alert or detonation can protect you and your family’s health and life.”
To safeguard yourself and your loved ones during the critical first ten minutes following a nuclear explosion, “the best way to protect you and your family before, during, and after a nuclear blast is getting inside the centre of a building or basement.”, reports the Express US.
In the aftermath of a nuclear explosion, you have a critical 10-minute window to seek shelter before radioactive fallout begins. If you’re near a sturdy multi-storey building or an underground area when the blast occurs, make your way there immediately.
Your safest bet is a structure made of brick or concrete. Underground areas such as car parks and tube stations also offer excellent protection.
Think you’ve been exposed to fallout?
Immediately remove your outer clothing and shoes – they could be contaminated with radioactive particles. Wash your skin and hair thoroughly.
If your pets may have been exposed to fallout, brush them down in a secluded area away from people and give them a bath if possible.
A nuclear war would irrevocably change life on earth as we know it (Image: Getty)
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) provides further advice: Within 24 hours of the blast, tune into any accessible media, such as AM/FM radio – battery-powered, of course – for the latest instructions and updates. “Stay inside unless instructed otherwise,” their website advises.
Their guidelines state: “Remain in the most protective location (basement or centre of a large building) for the first 12 – 24 hours unless threatened by an immediate hazard (e.g., fire, gas leak, building collapse, or serious injury) or informed by authorities that it is safe to leave.”
Don’t even think about evacuating until you have accurate information on the location of fallout hazard areas and a secure escape route. However, if you’re among those critical workers, you may be given permission to temporarily leave your shelter to carry out essential support duties or rescue operations.
Understanding the risks of a nuclear blast can help you react swiftly and intelligently to safeguard yourself. A dazzling flash visible from 10 km away signals a nuclear explosion.
Immediately after, a fireball releases thermal pulses that last for seconds, causing burns, injuries, and setting alight materials such as vegetation and wood several kilometres from the explosion.
The fireball and shock wave can obliterate city blocks and damage structures kilometres away, with flying debris posing threats. Immediate radiation could harm or kill those outdoors within a few kilometres.
Even with strict adherence to all recommended safety measures, surviving a nuclear explosion would only mark the beginning of an incredibly tough ordeal. Survivors could face serious injuries, acute radiation exposure, and the breakdown of essential services, making day-to-day life extremely challenging.
Supplies of food, clean water, and medical care would likely be scarce, while the emotional impact of witnessing widespread destruction would be profound. In short, finding shelter might protect lives initially, but the path to any form of normalcy afterward would be long, precarious, and uncertain which begs the grim question: Would you even want to survive?
