With global tensions as increasingly taught as they are, the wise and prepared are taking steps to ready themselves in the event sh&% hits the fan. That’s why you’re here reading this article after all.

During the frenzied moments of a nuclear attack, proper preparation coupled with informed decisiveness can be critical. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to make educated decisions under these extreme circumstances.

Before an Attack

Be Informed

As generally depressing as the news is these days, keeping an eye on the current state of international affairs will keep you appraised of possible threats. If things start spiraling south you’ll be better prepared to take action.

Also be ready to take action should you hear emergency alerts through broadcast, text messages, or sirens as they are your first indicators of an impending attack.

Make a Plan

Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures and evacuation routes of your community. Discuss this plan with your family, including where to meet if separated, and alternative means of communication if cell networks are down.

Build an Emergency Kit

Prepare a survival kit with essential supplies, such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid items, medications (including potassium iodide), and a battery-powered radio. Radiation detection equipment as well as hazmat suits are also great ideas.

Secure Your Home

Know how to shut off utilities if necessary. Pre-plan the reinforcement of your home against fallout. Identify the safest areas to take shelter, usually in the basement or an interior room with no windows.

During an Attack

• Do Not Look at the Flash

If you are near the site of a nuclear explosion, the flash of light is the first sign you’ll observe. Do not look at it directly, as it can cause temporary or permanent blindness.

• Take Cover Immediately

The blast from a nuclear explosion arrives shortly after the flash. Duck and cover under a sturdy structure to avoid debris and damage caused by the explosion.

• Stay Indoors

If outside, get inside the nearest building immediately. Once there, stay for at least 24 hours to distance yourself from the fallout, as it may still be radioactive. Seal any doors and windows with plastic sheeting to keep out the contaminated air.

• Listen to Authorities

Tune into emergency broadcasts for updates. Again, this is where an emergency radio will come in handy if the power is out. Broadcasts will provide critical information on the status of the attack, the areas affected by the blast and fallout, and any instructions for evacuation or safety measures.

After the Blast

• Evacuation

If instructed to evacuate, do so using the pre-planned routes. Avoid using your personal vehicle, as roads could be congested or blocked. Walk if you can (if you have a hazmat suit use it) or use mass transit, which might have dedicated lanes.

• Decontamination

After reaching a safe location, remove all clothing and wash yourself with soap and water. Those near the detonation site should try to shower, pat dry, and put on clean clothes.

• Take Potassium Iodide (if necessary)

Potassium Iodide (KI) may can be used to protect your thyroid gland from radiation. Make sure to take only if necessary, which means if you are either advised by professionals or if you yourself can detect high levels of radiation.

• Communication

Make contact with your emergency contact and update them on your status. Use social media, if possible, to inform others of your condition and whereabouts.

Replenish Supplies

Restock your emergency kit with fresh supplies. If your home was used as a fallout shelter, evaluate its safety before returning.

Monitor the News

Stay informed about the situation through reliable news sources. Monitor the requirements for re-entry and any long-term health advisories regarding radiation exposure. Again, an emergency radio is a great tool to have.

Sustaining During Nuclear Winter

This one is significantly tricker, as a nuclear winter could last a decade or longer. Although access to personal bomb shelters and long-term food and water preparation are the ideal solutions, most people are not in a position to shell out the cash for this level of preparation. That’s of course assuming you are not one of the world’s billionaires currently buying multi-million dollar doomsday bunkers.

Shelter

Maintain a shelter in place until directed by the authorities to leave. If you must travel, wear a hazmat suit or as protective clothing as you can find and a respirator to reduce inhalation of radioactive particles.

Food and Water

Manage your remaining food and water supplies carefully. Non-contaminated food is going to be in increasingly rare supply. Store water in sealed containers and consume canned or non-perishable foods if available.

Conserve Energy

Limit the use of electricity and gas to essentials. Ration your fuel if necessary. Keep warm with layered clothing and blankets rather than using additional heating.

Mental Health

The fear and uncertainty surrounding a nuclear attack can be overwhelming. Utilize coping strategies to manage stress and seek out support from trained professionals if available.

Long-Term Planning

Again, nuclear war has significantly larger ramifications than the initial attacks. Think about long-term plans for survival. This might include relocation, self-sufficiency measures, and preparations for societal changes.

Conclusion

The best response to a nuclear attack is proper preparation and information. Understanding the steps to take before, during, and after an attack can mitigate risks and save lives.

Share this knowledge and plan with your loved ones, and remember that acting calmly and quickly can make all the difference. If you’re interested in learning more about preparations for catastrophic events, continue educating yourself and others in your community. Preparing now is the most effective way to ensure your safety and survival in the event of a nuclear emergency.