The war in Ukraine and especially the Russian President's statements and actions regarding military technology and weapons are causing Europe and the rest of the world to hold their breath. Many people are increasingly fearful of a third world war, a nuclear war, or at least the use of nuclear weapons. This also raises the question: What to do in the event of a nuclear attack? Regardless of whether Putin's threats are to be taken seriously or not, it is always beneficial to be well prepared for any type of crisis situation. Since we have already explained to you,which basic foods and quantitiesYou should always have them in the house, we will now explain to you how to proceed in the event of a possible war attack of this kind.
What happens in a nuclear explosion?
When a nuclear bomb explodes, atoms combine or split (fusion or fission). These processes create an intense pulse or wave of heat, light, air pressure and radiation. Thisnuclear explosion(also called a nuclear explosion) creates a fireball in which everything inside evaporates and is carried upwards. We all know the characteristic mushroom cloud that arises from films, but unfortunately also from real nuclear attacks - the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan at the end of theSecond World War. This ensures that the radioactive material from the bomb is also carried upwards, where it cools, condenses and falls back to earth in the form of particles such as dust (called fallout). Everything that comes into contact with the radioactive material becomes contaminated.
What is particularly bad is that the cloud of fine dust can travel large distances due to winds and wind currents and can therefore contaminate much larger areas than “just” the area where the bomb hit. Food and water supplies are also threatened. It is therefore advisable to be prepared and to know what you should do in the event of a nuclear attack in order to protect yourself as much as possible.
The effects of exposure depend on both the size of the bomb and the distance. Both factors influence the amount of radiation that affects the body. In addition, exposure can occur externally, i.e. from the outside through the bomb itself, as well as internally, i.e. through ingestion through food and drink.
Unfortunately, an attack with a nuclear weapon cannot be prevented. However, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your family as much as possible. So, what to do in the event of a nuclear attack? If the worst comes to the worst, federal, state and local authorities will activate an emergency plan developed by the World Health Organization. What exactly you do immediately after the explosion depends on where you are at the time:
What to do in the event of a nuclear attack if you are close to the explosion?
- Don't look at the light of the bomb, but look away. Otherwise, you risk damage to your vision. Also, cover your eyes.
- Fall face down on the floor. Place your arms under your body.
- This way you stay lying down until you feel two waves pass. The heat should also pass before you get up.
Are you outside but not in the immediate vicinity:
- Cover your mouth or nose well. For this purpose, use a scarf, shawl or other fabric.
- Remove any dust from your clothing by shaking, wiping, or brushing outside before even going into shelter. You should not breathe in this dust. Therefore, do not remove the respiratory protection you have previously put on.
- Go to an underground shelter (e.g. a basement). If it is outside the direction of the wind, all the better.
- It's best to get rid of the clothing beforehand because it could be contaminated. If possible, also take a shower before heading down to the basement to remove dust from your hair. Put on fresh clothes.
If you are already in an underground shelter:
- Cover your mouth and nose. This respiratory protection should remain in place until the fallout cloud of radioactive fallout has passed.
- Close ventilation systems and seal windows and doors until the fallout passes. Afterwards you can and should ventilate the room.
- Do not leave your shelter unless authorities deem it safe to do so. Therefore, follow radio or television news. The authorities also provide information about a possible evacuation.
- If you have to leave the shelter for any reason, be sure to cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth, scarf or T-shirt.
- Only consume food and drink from your camp. Local food and water from open sources are contaminated and dangerous.
- Clean and disinfect any open wounds on your body immediately and cover them.
What to do in the event of a nuclear attack if the authorities initiate an evacuation?
- Follow the media for more detailed information: evacuation routes, temporary shelters and other requests.
- Before you head out, turn off vents and other fans or air conditioners and the oven. Close and lock windows and doors as well as chimney dampers.
- Pack important items: flashlight and spare batteries (or better yet, a hand-cranked flashlight that works without batteries), first aid kit and essential medications, food, can opener, cash and credit cards, important papers and documents, etc Shoes, some clothes.
- Check to see if any neighbors may need help (especially children and the elderly).
